Nava and Wintory Score Grammy Win with 'Sword of the Sea,' Building on 'Journey's' Legacy

Matt Nava and composer Austin Wintory, the celebrated creative duo behind the acclaimed 2012 game "Journey," have reunited for a new project. Their latest collaboration, "Sword of the Sea," has already garnered significant recognition.

Nava noted that despite its success, "Journey's" development involved internal strife and work culture issues, leading to most of the team's departure after its release.

The Enduring Impact of 'Journey'

Released on PlayStation 3 and later PC, "Journey" quickly earned artistic acclaim. It made history with a nomination for Best Score Soundtrack at the 2013 Grammy Awards, marking a first for a video game score. The game's evocative score has since been performed by various prestigious ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra.

A New Chapter: 'Sword of the Sea' Emerges

The American creative team, Nava and Wintory, have since embarked on "Sword of the Sea." A decade after their initial success, Nava, now creative director at Giant Squid, and Wintory received the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media for their work on this new title.

"Sword of the Sea" features players surfing across a desert on a hoversword with the objective of restoring the ocean to a parched land.

Considered a spiritual successor to "Journey," 'Sword of the Sea' offers a unique gameplay experience that has been well-received since its 2025 release.

Creative Director Nava Embraces Desert Aesthetic

Nava, who began his career as an artist, initially hesitated to use the desert aesthetic for "Sword of the Sea" due to its strong association with "Journey." However, he eventually embraced the palette, cleverly incorporating elements from his previous underwater game, "ABZÛ," which was also scored by Wintory. Nava described "Sword of the Sea" as a culmination of his work.

Austin Wintory's Iterative Score Development

Wintory detailed the iterative development of the soundtrack, a process where music is integrated early in the game's creation. This approach allows the score to evolve alongside gameplay, helping to shape the game's overall feel.

Wintory also commented on the limited recognition of musical scores for interactive media at awards, noting that only the most overt examples tend to be highlighted.