(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Those who follow the award show season know that the Grammys are coming up very soon and know that categories have been shrinking from a whopping 109 to 78. Those who don't follow the season like myself don't really care you just wanna see a video game win one of the most prestigeous awards in entertainment. Well here's the problem there is no dedicated category for video games or anything to do with gaming (Best gamer, best game art, best game music, etc.) This doesn't mean video games aren't elgible for a Grammy but there are a minimum of three categories and that's for their soundtracks.

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Best Song Written for Visual Media

Now this doesn't seem to be that large of a feat but looking back on some of the phenomal music that a game must compete against this is an extremely amazing accomplishment.

Now some people think this is impossible but it isn't just rare. The last time a game's soundtrack was nominated and won came from entirely different category. Last year Christopher Tin won the award for Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist for his composition in, "Baba Yetu." This track was first released commercially for the first time within last year's nomination window, despite it dating back to 2005 when it was featured in Civilization IV. This was the first time a video game won a Grammy Award. Here are X-Play's nominees for best soundtrack are:

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Portal 2

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcey

Now these are all resonable selections but considering the rules of the Grammys anything developed after Sept. 1, 2010 and Sept. 10, 2011 is eligible for nomination that puts Skyrim and Deus Ex out of the running, two of the most likely to win (From those selections).

Now to consult some pros of gaming music. The Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) give G4 their picks:

Batman: Arkham City

Dead Space 2

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

Star Wars: The Old Republic

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Now for some other potential nominees:

Minecraft

Super Meat Boy

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Fable III


Halo: Reach

James Bond 007: Blood Stone

Now that makes 7 nominees for video games, but I have an out of order nomination, for Daft Punk's amazing composition in Tron: Legacy.

Now that you've read my submissions and thoughts, I want to read yours. Post up your 8 nominations and your thoughts on video games at the Grammys.

You must login or register to view this content.

The problem is, video games are not really fitting. Video games are not visual media, they're an interactive media. Visual media would be TV, Film, Animation, Traditional Theatre, Stage Shows, and Performing Arts. So for example the soundtrack to a film or TV show, or the music composed for an international trapeze act (like cirque du soleil for example) could both be considered. Honestly, I don't think it's fitting for a Grammy to be awarded for game music. The music has to have the right atmosphere to match the visuals, gameplay, story and overall aesthetic. The music alone doesn't convey enough for it to make sense or hold as much impact.

Realistically we need video game awards that matter. You know, something that isn't an embarrasment like the Spike TV awards.

Skyrim Ftw !