What significant recognition did "Star Wars Outlaws" achieve at the 2025 G.A.N.G. Awards? Who were the co-hosts of this year’s ceremony? What comments did G.A.N.G. President Brian Schmidt make regarding the state of game audio this past year? Which two games shared the title for Audio of the Year? What special awards were given to Scott Gershin and Jenna “Jennissary” for their contributions to the audio industry?
“Star Wars Outlaws” dominated the 2025 The Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G) Awards, topping this year’s winners. Recognizing nominees across 25 categories in music, sound design, and dialogue, the 2025 G.A.N.G Awards honored winners at a ceremony co-hosted by Fran Mirabella and Morla Gorrondona.
“This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for game audio,” said G.A.N.G President Brian Schmidt. “The talent and dedication of our community continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering truly immersive and unforgettable experiences for players worldwide.”
There were four ties at this year’s awards, including for audio of the year (shared by “Astro Bot” and “Need For Speed Mobile”), best main theme, creative and technical achievement in music, and creative and technical achievement in sound design.
Beyond the main categories, Sound Lab creative director and supervising sound designer Scott Gershin was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his 35+ year career in sound supervision, design, and mixing.
“Scott’s impact on the game audio industry is massive,” said G.A.N.G executive director Savina Ciaramella. “His ability to craft soundscapes that heighten emotion, storytelling, and immersion has set a standard for excellence that continues to inspire students and audio professionals worldwide.”
Jenna “Jennissary” was honored with the Bob Rice Recognition Award for her “extraordinary work in accessibility for an underserved community of players with visual or cognitive impairments.”
See the full list of winners below.
Audio of the Year (TIE)
“Astro Bot” (2024) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Team ASOBI) and “Need for Speed Mobile” (2024) (Tencent Games, TiMi Studio Group)
Best Audio for a Casual or Social Game
“Need for Speed Mobile” (2024) (Tencent Games, TiMi Studio Group)
Best Audio for an Indie Game
“The Outlast Trials” (2024) (Red Barrels)
Best Audio Mix
“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” (2024) (Xbox Game Studios, Ninja Theory)
Best Cinematic & Cutscene Audio
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games)
Best Dialogue for an Indie Game
“INDIKA” (2024) (11 bit studios, Odd Meter)
Best Ensemble Cast Performance
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games)
Best Game Audio Article or Publication
“Mixing AAA Videogames” (2024) (Audio Technology, John Broomhall, Jodie Kupsco, Sonia Coronado, Alex Previty)
Best Game Audio Presentation, Podcast, or Broadcast
“Scoring Terror – The Music of The Outlast Trials” (2023) (GameSoundCon 2023, Tom Salta)
Best Game Foley
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games)
Best Game Music Cover
“Song Of Storms”- Lofi Remix (2024) (“The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time”, Gentle Game Lullabies, Andrea Vanzo, suteki)
Best Game Trailer Audio
“Helldivers 2” (2024) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Arrowhead Game Studios)
Best Main Theme (TIE)
“Star Wars Outlaws” (2024) (Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment – A Ubisoft Studio) and “Helldivers 2” (2024) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Arrowhead Game Studios)
Best Music for an Indie Game
“Frostpunk 2” (2024) (11 bit studios)
Best New Original IP Audio
“Hauntii” (2024) (Firestoke Games, Moonloop Games)
Best Original Song
“Star Wars Outlaws ‘This Cantina Can’t Contain Us’” (2024) (Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment – A Ubisoft Studio)
Best Original Soundtrack Album
“Star Wars Outlaws” (2024) (Lucasfilm Ltd, Ubisoft Music)
Best Sound Design for an Indie Game
“The Outlast Trials” (2024) (Red Barrels)
Best UI, Reward, or Objective Sound Design
“Astro Bot” (2024) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Team ASOBI)
Best Voice Performance
“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” (2024) (Melina Juergens, Senua; Xbox Game Studios, Ninja Theory)
Creative and Technical Achievement in Music (TIE)
“Star Wars Outlaws” (2024) (Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment – A Ubisoft Studio) and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” (2024) (SQUARE ENIX)
Creative and Technical Achievement in Sound Design (TIE)
“Delta Force” (2024) (TiMi Studio Group, Team Jade) and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” (2024) (SQUARE ENIX)
Dialogue of the Year
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023) (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games)
Music of the Year
“Star Wars Outlaws” (2024) (Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment – A Ubisoft Studio)
Sound Design of the Year
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” (2023) (Activision, Sledgehammer Games)
2025 G.A.N.G Award Winners: A Celebration of Excellence in Video Game Music
The Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G) is an esteemed organization dedicated to advancing the art and craft of game audio. Each year, the G.A.N.G Awards honor exceptional work across various categories, showcasing the vital role that sound and music play in the immersive experiences of video games. The 2025 G.A.N.G Awards were held recently and celebrated a diverse range of talents, highlighting both established composers and emerging artists.
Significance of the G.A.N.G Awards
The G.A.N.G Awards offer great insight into the evolving landscape of video game music. These awards not only recognize individual artistic achievements but also underscore the collaboration between composers, sound designers, and developers. In an industry where the audio element is paramount, acknowledging the individuals behind the sounds fosters a greater appreciation for their contributions.
The Award Ceremony
The 2025 G.A.N.G Awards took place at a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles, bringing together industry luminaries, talented musicians, and passionate gamers. The night was filled with performances by renowned composers, as well as the excitement of award reveals that celebrated outstanding achievements in game audio from the previous year.
Complete List of Award Winners
Here’s the complete list of winners for the 2025 G.A.N.G Awards:
1. Soundtrack of the Year
Winner: Elden Ring – Composed by Tsukasa Saitoh and Yuka Kitamura
This award went to the acclaimed score for the action RPG Elden Ring. The music intricately weaves themes of myth, adventure, and peril throughout the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
2. Best Original Composition
Winner: Horizon Forbidden West – Composed by Goldfish
This masterpiece stands out for its haunting melodies and orchestral depth, capturing the essence of a post-apocalyptic world.
3. Best Interactive Music
Winner: Return of the Obra Dinn – Composed by Lucas Pope
This award recognizes the innovative way in which the music interacts with player choices and game events, creating a truly immersive experience.
4. Best Use of Licensed Music
Winner: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
This remaster not only brought back the nostalgia of the original but also featured an impeccable soundtrack that resonated with fans of all ages.
5. Best Score for an Indie Game
Winner: Celeste – Composed by Lena Raine
Lena Raine’s evocative score for Celeste captures the emotional journey of the game, perfectly complementing its exploration of themes related to mental health.
6. Best Game Audio Implementation
Winner: The Last of Us Part II
The award for best audio implementation was given to this title for its impressive sound design that raised the bar for narrative-driven games.
7. Best Dialogue Recording
Winner: Ghost of Tsushima
This award was given in recognition of the authentic and immersive dialogue recordings that brought the story to life.
8. Best Sound Design
Winner: Doom Eternal
The game’s explosive sound design and heavy metal soundtrack combined to create an adrenaline-fueled experience that stood out in 2025.
9. Excellence in Audio for a Mobile Game
Winner: Genshin Impact
This game has gained global visibility, including a stellar audio production that rivals its console counterparts.
10. Outstanding Contributions to Game Music
Winner: Grant Kirkhope
The legendary composer, known for his work on the Banjo-Kazooie games, was honored for his lasting influence in the industry and his dedication to nurturing future talents.
Special Recognitions
In addition to the competitive categories, the 2025 edition included a few special recognitions that celebrated groundbreaking contributions to the field of game audio:
G.A.N.G Lifetime Achievement Award:
Recipient: Martin O’Donnell
Famous for scoring the iconic Halo series, Martin O’Donnell’s contributions have profoundly influenced music in video games.- Innovative Technology Award:
Winner: Auro-3D for their groundbreaking 3D audio technology that enhances the interactive audio experience in gaming.
Conclusion
The 2025 G.A.N.G Awards highlighted a transformative year for game audio, demonstrating how integral music and sound are to the gaming experience. The winners reflect a mix of innovative new voices and seasoned veterans, illustrating the diverse talent working to create immersive worlds in the digital landscape. As video game music continues to evolve, it’s clear that the G.A.N.G Awards will remain a vital platform for honoring the achievements of those dedicated to this art form.
From the heart-pounding scores accompanying epic quests to the ambient soundscapes that bring virtual worlds to life, the work celebrated by the G.A.N.G Awards reminds us of the universal language of music and its power to connect us through shared experiences in gaming. As we look ahead to future years, the anticipation for what these talented artists will create next is already building.
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