This Month in Game Audio: Awards, Acquisitions, and VO!
Submissions Now Open for the 24th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards
It’s that time again—submissions are officially open for the 24th Annual Game Audio Network Guild Awards. From AAA blockbusters to breakout indie hits, the G.A.N.G. Awards spotlight the best in game audio across music, sound design, voiceover, and more.
The submission window runs from September 23 to October 23, 2025, with eligible projects released between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Whether your work stirred hearts, broke eardrums (in a good way), or redefined a genre, now’s your chance to get it heard—and celebrated.
Need the details? Categories, guidelines, and submission links are all live now:
Submit your work here
EA Goes Private in Record-Breaking $55 Billion Deal
Electronic Arts is going private in the largest all-cash take-private deal in history. A consortium led by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners is acquiring EA for a staggering $55 billion, with stockholders receiving $210 per share—a 25% premium over EA’s last unaffected share price.
CEO Andrew Wilson stays on board, promising to “unlock new opportunities” and push the boundaries of entertainment. The move positions EA to accelerate innovation beyond the public market spotlight, with backing from investors deeply entrenched in gaming, sports, and global media.
Pending approvals, the deal is expected to close in Q1 FY27.
Read the full announcement
G.A.N.G. Demo Derby Submissions Still Open
The G.A.N.G. Demo Derbies are back at GameSoundCon—and there’s still time to throw your hat in the ring. Whether you’re a composer, sound designer, or voice artist, this is your shot to get live feedback from top industry pros in front of a community that gets it.
But act fast: submissions close October 21, and spots are reviewed in the order they’re received.
Submit your demo here
Gemma Chan Enters the Bond Universe in 007 First Light
IO Interactive just revealed that actor Gemma Chan will join the cast of 007 First Light, voicing and embodying MI6’s newly created Head of Tactical Simulation, Selina Tan. Described as a sharp strategist and expert in immersive tech, Selina is a brand-new character created specifically for the game.
It’s a major casting move, and part of what looks to be a more grounded, story-driven entry in the Bond universe.
007 First Light launches March 27, 2026.
More on the announcement
Helix Collective’s Epic Video Game Music Concert – G.A.N.G. Members Get 20% Off
Helix Collective is bringing video game soundtracks to life with an absolutely epic live concert—and G.A.N.G. members get 20% off tickets.
The program features music from League of Legends, Final Fantasy XV, Guild Wars 2, BioShock Infinite, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Hell Divers 2, The Simpsons Game, Civilization IV, and more—performed by Helix Collective’s mini-orchestra of strings, winds, percussion, piano, and guitar.
Composers include heavy hitters like Garry Schyman, Yoko Shimomura, Austin Wintory, Christopher Tin, Wilbert Roget, Maclaine Diemer, Christopher Lennertz, and more.
KUSC’s Jennifer Miller Hammel, host of the ARCADE livestream, will guide the show with behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with the composers themselves.
Performance Dates:
- Saturday, November 1 at 3 PM – Marilyn Monroe Theatre, West Hollywood
- Sunday, November 2 at 3 PM – Colony Theatre, Burbank
To get the 20% member discount, you must be logged into your G.A.N.G. account.
Log in to access the discount
Don’t Forget to Register for GameSoundCon
GameSoundCon 2025 is almost here. Whether you’re demoing your work, diving into panels, or just vibing with the audio community, this is the event you don’t want to miss. And don’t forget to use your G.A.N.G. Discount to get $100 off. See details on the G.A.N.G. Perks Page
Registration is open now:
Register for GameSoundCon
G.A.N.G. Hang with the HALP Network!
We had a great time at our recent G.A.N.G. Hang with the HALP Network. It was a fantastic night connecting with folks from the voiceover and dialogue side of the game audio pipeline—sharing stories, ideas, and good energy.
Thanks to everyone who came out. Stay tuned for details on the next one.
That’s a Wrap for This Edition
From record-setting acquisitions to rising stars in voiceover, award season deadlines to demo opportunities, the game audio space continues to grow, shift, and innovate. Whether you’re polishing a submission, heading to GameSoundCon, or just catching your breath between projects—this community continues to push the medium forward. And we’re glad you’re part of it.