London’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall is gearing up for a spectacular video game concert set to honor various video game music compositions. Renowned conductor Austin Wintory shares insights into curating this exceptional event.
Austin Wintory stands out among contemporary composers, particularly for his remarkable work on the iconic soundtrack of the game “Journey” in 2012. From contributing to games like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Hades” to the recent hit “Sword of the Sea” by Giant Squid, his diverse portfolio underscores his musical prowess.
The upcoming BAFTA Games in Concert, scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, will commemorate twenty years of outstanding BAFTA-nominated and award-winning game music. Featuring beloved soundtracks from popular AAA and indie game franchises such as “Cuphead,” “Hitman,” and “Baldur’s Gate 3,” the concert promises a grand celebration of the gaming industry’s musical masterpieces.
With the daunting task of encapsulating two decades of video game music in a single orchestral performance, the collaboration between BAFTA’s event organizers and Austin Wintory is poised to deliver a memorable experience. Wintory’s dual role as conductor and driving force behind the show reflects his commitment to showcasing the magic of video game music.
The meticulous planning and coordination involved in crafting such an ambitious performance have been shared responsibilities, with BAFTA actively contributing to the conceptualization and execution of the concert. The thematic focus on celebrating the best scores from the past twenty years of BAFTA Games Awards has guided the selection process for the event.
The collaborative effort has streamlined the production process, allowing for effective task delegation and progress monitoring. Despite occasional challenges with rights management and content curation, the overall enthusiasm from contributors and stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, ensuring a seamless and engaging show.
The event’s alignment with the prestigious BAFTA brand and its legacy of recognizing excellence in the industry has facilitated access to acclaimed music compositions. The concert’s lineup, comprising award-winning and nominated scores, epitomizes the artistry and innovation prevalent in the gaming landscape.
The concert serves as a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of video game music, appealing to a broad audience of gaming enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Wintory’s experience in blending contrasting musical styles within the gaming realm underscores the genre’s versatility and widespread appeal.
As the gaming industry navigates through economic challenges and creative shifts, adaptability and resilience emerge as key attributes for sustainability. Wintory’s reflections on his career journey highlight the importance of flexibility and perseverance in the face of industry fluctuations.
The BAFTA Games in Concert promises an immersive musical experience at the Royal Festival Hall on January 31, 2026, inviting attendees to partake in a celebration of gaming’s rich musical heritage. Tickets are now available for this unforgettable event.