Winifred Phillips is an American music composer and author, renowned for her work in video game music. With a career spanning over two decades, she has contributed to some of the most iconic game soundtracks, including God of War, Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, the LittleBigPlanet series, and SimAnimals.
In 2025, she won the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for her composition on Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. This historic win solidified her status as one of the most celebrated composers in the gaming industry.
In this article, we will explore Winifred Phillips’ net worth, early life, career, age, height, weight, Grammy wins, major works, family, and lesser-known facts.
Winifred Phillips Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Winifred Phillips |
| Profession | Video Game Composer, Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Genres | Video Game Soundtracks, Classical, Electronic |
| Years Active | 1992–Present |
| Notable Works | God of War, Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, LittleBigPlanet series, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord |
| Notable Awards | Grammy Award (2025), G.A.N.G. Awards, AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards |
| Website | winifredphillips.com |
Early Life and Education
Winifred Phillips developed a passion for music and gaming at an early age. She credits her public school music education and teachers for nurturing her talent.
- Middle School Influence:
- Her band teacher recognized her quick learning ability and encouraged her to play various instruments.
- She became classically trained in keyboard and voice.
- Passion for Gaming:
- As a child, she was an avid gamer, enjoying shooters, side-scrollers, and RPGs.
- It was only after working in radio that she realized she could compose music for video games.
Career and Major Works
Early Career in Radio (1992–2003)
Before entering the video game industry, Winifred Phillips was a composer and producer for National Public Radio (NPR).
- Radio Dramas (1992–2003):
- Produced and composed for Generations Radio Theater Presents: Radio Tales.
- Adapted classic literature into radio dramas with original scores.
- Received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
This experience refined her skills in audio storytelling, which later translated into her success in video game music composition.
Video Game Music Career (2004–Present)
Breakthrough with God of War (2004–2005)
- In 2004, Phillips contributed music to God of War, which became a landmark in video game music.
- She won multiple Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) Awards for her work.
LittleBigPlanet Series (2011–2020)
Phillips was a major composer for the LittleBigPlanet franchise, creating fun and immersive soundtracks.
| Game Title | Year | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| LittleBigPlanet 2 | 2011 | Media Molecule |
| LittleBigPlanet PS Vita | 2012 | Double Eleven, Tarsier Studios |
| LittleBigPlanet 3 | 2014 | Sumo Digital |
| Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020 | Sumo Digital |
Her work in LittleBigPlanet 2 earned her a Game Developers Choice Award nomination for Best Audio (2011).
Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (2012)
- Phillips composed the soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, one of her most critically acclaimed works.
- The game’s main theme won a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Vocal Song.
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (2023–2025)
- Composed the soundtrack for the remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord.
- Won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media.
- This was her first Grammy win, competing against industry giants such as Bear McCreary and Pinar Toprak.
Awards and Achievements
Winifred Phillips has won dozens of awards, including:
| Year | Award | Category | Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | G.A.N.G. Awards | Audio of the Year | God of War |
| 2011 | Game Developers Choice Award | Best Audio (Nominated) | LittleBigPlanet 2 |
| 2012 | Hollywood Music in Media Award | Best Song – Video Game | Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation |
| 2021 | BAFTA Award (Nominated) | Best Music | Sackboy: A Big Adventure |
| 2023 | NYX Game Award | Best Original Game Soundtrack | Horse Club Adventures |
| 2025 | Grammy Award | Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games | Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord |
Her Grammy win in 2025 marked a historic achievement for video game music.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $3-5 Million
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Soundtrack Composition | Over 20 major video game scores |
| Album Sales & Streaming | Millions of streams/downloads worldwide |
| Book Sales | A Composer’s Guide to Game Music |
| Concerts & Events | Video game music symphonies and industry panels |
Her Grammy-winning soundtrack has boosted her reputation, increasing royalties and licensing revenue.
Family and Personal Life
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Private | Keeps her personal life confidential |
- Unlike many in the industry, Winifred Phillips maintains a very private personal life.
- She has not publicly disclosed her marital status or family details.
Lesser-Known Facts About Winifred Phillips
- She started her career in radio before transitioning to video game music.
- She was part of NPR’s National Public Radio Playhouse as a composer and actress.
- She is one of the few female video game composers to win a Grammy.
- Her book, A Composer’s Guide to Game Music, is used as a reference in music schools.
- She has composed for over 20 video games, spanning multiple genres.
- Her music has been featured in orchestral concerts worldwide.
- She has won multiple Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
- She was a major composer for LittleBigPlanet, creating whimsical and immersive soundtracks.
- She keeps her personal life private, avoiding public scrutiny.
- She has influenced a new generation of video game music composers.
FAQs
Q: What is Winifred Phillips’ biggest achievement?
A: Winning the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Video Game Score for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord.
Q: What was Winifred Phillips’ first game soundtrack?
A: God of War (2004).
Q: How many video games has she composed for?
A: Over 20 games, including Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and LittleBigPlanet.
Conclusion
Winifred Phillips is a trailblazer in video game music, with a Grammy win in 2025 marking the pinnacle of her career. Her influence, talent, and innovative soundtracks have made her one of the most respected composers in the gaming industry.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
