Austin Wintory

Austin Wintory’s career is driven by a passion for exploration and innovation in music. His fascination with composing began at age ten, inspired by Jerry Goldsmith’s scores for Patton and A Patch of Blue. During high school, he actively composed for student orchestras, eventually studying under Morten Lauridsen, Charles Fussell, and Erica Muhl at NYU and USC. Unconfined to any single medium, Austin has worked in concert music, film, video games, and various other fields.

In 2012, after three years of development, the PlayStation 3 game Journey was released and became Sony’s fastest-selling title, with its soundtrack debuting high on the Billboard charts—a first for a video game score. Journey’s soundtrack made history as the first-ever Grammy-nominated video game score and received multiple awards, including a D.I.C.E. award, two BAFTA awards, and IGN’s “Overall Music of the Year.” The score, featuring the Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra and top soloists, has been widely performed in concert halls around the world.

Austin’s next major project, The Banner Saga, originated as a Kickstarter campaign. This turn-based RPG with stunning visuals was scored by the Dallas Wind Symphony and renowned musicians Malukah, Peter Hollens, and Taylor Davis. Released in 2014, it won him numerous accolades, including his 4th and 5th BAFTA nominations, and the first peer-voted ASCAP Composer’s Choice Award for “Best Video Game Score of the Year.”

In 2016, he scored ABZÛ, the debut title for Giant Squid Studios, blending orchestra, choir, and harp ensemble. This score earned multiple awards and nominations, including a second D.I.C.E. Award nod. He also composed for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate in 2015, a chamber score recorded at Abbey Road Studios that garnered his 6th BAFTA nomination and another ASCAP Composer’s Choice Award.

Beyond games, Austin has scored over 50 films, including Captain Abu Raed and Grace, both celebrated at Sundance. His concert work remains dynamic, including recent collaborations like “Journey LIVE” with Chicago’s Fifth House Ensemble, and premieres of “This Gaming Life” with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and “Mythos.” His innovative approach keeps him a versatile and respected force in music.