As announced in Variety Magazine, The Game Audio Network Guild revealed the winners of its 22nd annual G.A.N.G. Awards on Thursday, across 26 categories in music, sound design, dialogue, and more. The event was held at The Moscone Center in San Francisco and was co-hosted by former IGN vice president of video Fran Mirabella and voice actor Morla Gorrondona with guest performances from The String Revolution, SFCM TACticians, and 88bit. The night ended in celebration with an after-party sponsored by Materia Music.
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” took home the trophy for audio of the year, as well as awards for music of the year, best original soundtrack album, best audio mix and creative and technical achievement in sound design. Summerfall Studio and Humble Games’ “Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical” grabbed four wins, including for best audio for an indie game and best music for an indie game. “Baldur’s Gate 3,” which also scored four awards, took home victories for best ensemble cast performance and best main theme.
“We are proud to acknowledge the pinnacle of accomplishments in game music, sound and dialogue as we have done since our first G.A.N.G. Awards Show in 2003,” Brian Schmidt said, Game Audio Network Guild President. “Gathering in person to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of fellow members within the game audio community is an unparalleled experience.”
G.A.N.G. presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to interactive industry veteran Steve Schnur, Worldwide President of Music & Marketing for Electronic Arts since 2001. Schnur has been a label and music publishing company president, music supervisor, professional musician, songwriter, composer, producer, professor, policy advocate and more. He’s changed the game in music, movies, sports, and digital interactive entertainment around the world, while leading the fight for greater tolerance, diversity, and gender equality throughout the industry.
“Although the term ‘Lifetime Achievement’ is one that I’ve never expected to hear at this point in my career, I’m nonetheless humbled by this award, proud to be recognized by my industry peers and looking forward to what I know will be an unforgettable evening with the G.A.N.G. community,” Schnur said.
To commemorate the legacy of Bob Rice, a former Board Member and recipient of the 2005 Lifetime Achievement award who passed away in 2023, the G.A.N.G Recognition award was renamed the Bob Rice Recognition award. This award was presented to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to game audio.
Two G.A.N.G. Distinguished Service Awards were given this year; one to G.A.N.G. Communications Manager Nick Hartman, and the other to G.A.N.G. Secretary Atsushi Suganuma.
See the full list of winners below.
Best Game Music Cover or Remix:
“Song of Storms” (Gentle Game Lullabies, Andrea Vanzo)
Best Main Theme:
“Baldur’s Gate 3 Main Theme” by Borislav Slavov (Larian Studios)
Best Music for an Indie Game:
“Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical” (Summerfall Studio, Humble Games)
Best New Original IP Audio:
“Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical” (Summerfall Studio, Humble Games)
Best Original Song:
“Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical” – “Adrift” by Austin Wintory (Summerfall Studio, Humble Games)
Best Orignial Soundtrack Album:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Walt Disney Records)
Creative and Technical Achievement in Music:
“Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical” (Summerfall Studio, Humble Games)
Music of the Year:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Best Game Foley:
“Diablo IV” (Blizzard Entertainment)
Best Sound Design for an Indie Game:
“SEASON: A letter to the future” (Scavengers)
Best UI, Reward or Objective Sound Design:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Creative and Technical Achievement in Sound Design:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Sound Design of the Year:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Best Dialogue for an Indie Game:
“Bramble: The Mountain King” (Dimfrost Studio, Merge Games)
Best Ensemble Cast Performance:
“Baldur’s Gate 3” (Larian Studios)
Best Voice Performance:
Samantha Béart as Karlach, Baldur’s Gate 3, (Larian Studios)
Dialogue of the Year:
“Baldur’s Gate 3” (Larian Studios)
Audio of the Year:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Best Audio Mix:
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” (Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts)
Best Audio for a Casual or Social Game (Tie)
“Diablo Immortal” (Blizzard Entertainment, NetEase Games)
“Call of Duty: Mobile” (Activision, Timi Studio Group)
Best Audio for an Indie Game:
“Tchia” (Awaceb, Kepler Interactive)
Best Game Trailer Audio:
“Diablo IV” (Blizzard Entertainment)
Best Cinematic & Cutscene Audio:
“Diablo IV” (Blizzard Entertainment)
Best Game Audio Article or Publication:
“Game Audio Mixing: Insights to Improve Your Mixing Performance” (Alex Riviere, Routledge)
Best Game Audio Presentation, Podcast or Broadcast:
Game Developers Conference 2023 “The Art of the Theme” (Brendon Williams, Jason Walsh Game)