Originally published March 31, 2018. Updated April 1, 2018.
The 16th Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) Awards has just taken place in San Francisco, which was hosted by G.A.N.G. President Brian Schmidt, and Co-Hosted by Vice President Becky Allen. Taking place annually during the Game Developers Conference, it was attended by over 400 game audio professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe. The awards are given out for games released between January and December 2017.
Sweeping the board at the 2018 G.A.N.G. Awards, was composer Wilbert Roget II, with ‘Call of Duty: WWII’. Landing five trophies including Best Original Instrumental (tied), Best Interactive Score, Best Original Soundtrack Album, Music of the Year and Best Game Audio Article.
Wilbert Roget II said of his wins, “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Game Audio Network Guild, an organization I’ve been a member of for over 12 years. I’m also incredibly proud to have worked with the world-class audio and music teams at Sledgehammer and Sony Interactive Entertainment, as well as the talents at Nashville Music Scoring. Composing for the Call of Duty franchise has been a decade-long dream come true, and I couldn’t be happier with our resulting collaboration.”
This years Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to composer Richard Jacques, who is perhaps best known for his contributions to James Bond 007: Blood Stone, Headhunter and Mass Effect. A special Extraordinary Leadership and Service Award was presented to G.A.N.G. President Brian Schmidt, who also serves on the advisory board of GDC.
President Brian Schmidt said, “Each year, we recognize excellence in audio in games ranging from the largest, big-budget blockbuster to outstanding indie games. With over 550 entries this year across a diversity of styles and genres, making it to the final nomination process is something all the teams can be proud of.”
A highlight of the event included special video message by legendary musician and producer Nile Rodgers, founder of Sumthing Else Music Works, one of G.A.N.G.’s Diamond sponsors that has supported the non-profit organisation since the very beginning. Also among the 38 total sponsors that help fund the show and other programs and initiatives throughout the year, were Diamond sponsors CRIWARE, Formosa Interactive, and Spitfire Audio.
The complete list of 2018 G.A.N.G. Award winners includes:
– Best Sound Design for an Indie Game ‘Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’
– Best Interactive Score ‘Call of Duty: WWII’
– Best Game Audio Article, Publication, or Broadcast Musical Scoring with SFX in Mind for ‘Call of Duty: WWII’
– Best Original Instrumental (tied) “Aloy’s Theme” ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’
“A Brotherhood of Heroes” Call of Duty: WWII’
– Best Original Soundtrack Album ‘Call of Duty: WWII’
– Best Original Choral Composition “Aloy’s Theme” – Horizon Zero Dawn”
– Best Original Song “Hearthstone is Home” – Hearthstone’
– Best Music for an Indie Game ‘So Let Us Melt’
– Best Dialogue ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’
– Distinguished Service Award Spencer Bambrick
– G.A.N.G. Recognition Award Sally-anne Kellaway
– MAGFEST/ People’s Choice Award ‘Persona 5’
– Best Sound Design in a Casual/ Social Game ‘So Let Us Melt’
– Best Music for a Casual/ Social Game ‘So Let Us Melt’
– Best Cinematic/ Cutscene Audio ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’
– Best Audio Mix ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’
– Best VR Audio ‘Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’
– Breakout Talent of the Year Kristofer Maddigan
– Music of the Year ‘Call of Duty: WWII’
– Best Game Music Cover/ Remix ‘The Witcher 3 – Sword of Destiny’
– Sound Design of the Year ‘Call of Duty: WWII’
– Audio of the Year ‘Cuphead’
– Lifetime Achievement: Richard Jacques
– Extraordinary Leadership and Service Award: Brian Schmidt
For more information about G.A.N.G. then visit their website here.
