The 2026 Grammy Awards nominations have sparked a debate among music and gaming enthusiasts alike. While the spotlight shines on the five video games nominated for Best Soundtrack, there's a notable absence that has left many scratching their heads.
The Snub That Has Everyone Talking
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a critically acclaimed game with an exceptional soundtrack, has been overlooked by the Grammys. Despite its success, including topping the Billboard Classical charts and winning the WSA Game Music Award, Clair Obscur failed to secure a nomination.
Publisher Kepler submitted the game for consideration in two categories, but to no avail. This raises questions about the criteria and process of the Grammy nominations.
A Look at the Nominees
The nominated games include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Helldivers 2, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, Star Wars Outlaws, and Sword of the Sea. Helldivers 2's inclusion is particularly interesting, as its soundtrack release date falls outside the eligibility window.
But here's where it gets controversial: Clair Obscur, with its impressive accolades and critical reception, seems like a shoo-in for a nomination. So, why was it left out?
The Grammy's Video Game Soundtrack Award
The Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media award has been a part of the Grammys since 2023. The Recording Academy describes it as recognizing "excellence in score soundtrack albums... specifically created for video games."
The inaugural winner was Assassin's Creed Valhalla, followed by Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in 2024, and Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord in 2025.
And this is the part most people miss: the criteria for this award seem to favor certain types of games and soundtracks. With Clair Obscur's classical-inspired score and its critical success, it begs the question: is the Grammy's definition of "excellence" limited to a specific genre or style?
A Call for Discussion
The exclusion of Clair Obscur has sparked a conversation about the Grammy's approach to video game soundtracks. Is it time for a reevaluation of the criteria? Should the award consider a wider range of musical styles and game genres?
What are your thoughts? Do you think Clair Obscur was unfairly overlooked, or do you believe the nominated games deserve their place? Let's discuss in the comments and explore the diverse opinions on this topic!
