![[EXCLUSIVE] Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Team Opens Up About the Expansion’s Name, New Norgan Region, and Performance Goals](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2026/07/Dragons-Dogma-2-Dark-Arisen_Interview_FI-360x180.jpg)
The 2026 Grammy nominations list have sparked debate among fans and critics. The list for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media includes titles such as Helldivers 2 and Star Wars Outlaws. However, the exclusion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 surprised many.
The game topped the Billboard Classical charts for ten weeks and earned critical praise. Yet, it did not make the cut. Fans are questioning why the Recording Academy overlooked one of the year’s most acclaimed soundtracks.
The 2026 Games Grammy Nominations Include Avatar and Star Wars Outlaws
This year’s nominees showcase some of the most notable game scores. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires, composed by Pinar Toprak, received a nomination. Meanwhile, Helldivers 2, scored by Wilbert Roget, qualified even though the game released before the eligibility window of August 2024–2025. Its soundtrack launched later, which made it eligible.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, composed by Gordy Haab, and Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune, scored by Cody Matthew Johnson and Wilbert Roget II, also earned nominations. Austin Wintory’s Sword of the Sea completes the list. These selections highlight the Recording Academy’s recognition of diverse musical talent.
Clair Obscur Snubbed in Grammy Video Game Soundtrack Nominations
The omission of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shocked many. Composer Lorien Testard recently won the WSA Game Music Award. The game also dominated the Billboard Classical charts for ten weeks. Publisher Kepler submitted it for consideration in two Grammy categories: Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Critics and fans reacted strongly. Many called it one of the most significant snubs in recent video game Grammy history. Since the soundtrack received widespread praise, its absence stands out. Fans expressed disappointment and frustration over the decision.
History and Context of the Award
The Grammys introduced the Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media category in 2023. The Recording Academy created this award to honor original scores composed specifically for a video game or other interactive media released during the eligibility period.
Past winners include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök in 2023, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in 2024, and Winifred Phillips’ Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord in 2025. Each year, franchises such as Call of Duty, God of War, and Marvel’s Spider-Man compete fiercely.
With Clair Obscur excluded this year, discussions about overlooked video game soundtracks are likely to continue. For the latest news on the upcoming Grammy’s visit their official website.
