The Game Music Festival's Triumph: A Conversation with Borislav Slavov and Gustavo Santaolalla

The Game Music Festival has marked a significant milestone in the world of video game music, with its recent event in London featuring performances of Baldur's Gate 3 and The Last of Us scores. The festival's success is a testament to the growing popularity of video game music, with both concerts selling out quickly. Composers Borislav Slavov and Gustavo Santaolalla shared their insights on the current state of video game music, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and the role of music in enhancing the gaming experience. Slavov described the current era of video game music as a 'romantic period,' where the music is crossing boundaries and reaching a wider audience. Santaolalla, who has composed music for both films and video games, highlighted the significance of storytelling and the human aspect in creating a great narrative that resonates with people. Both composers agreed that the key to success lies in creating music that evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impact on the listener. The Game Music Festival has become a celebration of video game music, attracting new audiences and providing a platform for composers to showcase their work. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how video game music continues to grow and thrive.