Here we have a very interesting video from the YouTube channel 8-Bit Music Theory dedicated to teaching the theory of music through video game soundtracks. This episode is all about the scores of Austin Wintory.
Every theme is written in a minor key and is quite simple.
The host took five soundtracks of the composer – Journey, Banner Saga, Abzu, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate and Erica – and focused on their main themes. He found similarities in each of the theme, and made a detailed analysis of each one to help the viewers understand Wintory’s composing process, as well as presented interesting and unique details of the themes, like dissonances and tritones.
The power of the main theme lies not in its complexity.
Every theme is written in a minor key and is quite simple but, according to the narrator, this is what makes a well written main theme. Less is more, they say. The power of the main theme lies not in its complexity but how it affects the player and how it fits the game.
Read more:
- The Art of Game Music with Troy Baker and Austin Wintory
- The Colors of Harmony: Hitoshi Sakimoto 40th Anniversary Celebration
- Game Music Festival in London – June 2026 Featuring music from Diablo, Hades, Persona games
- Heroes of Might and Magic III Piano Collections released on vinyl!
- The Symphony of the Sword – unique concert featuring music from Kingdom Come: Deliverance I & II live in Poland
