In a recent reflection, Wilbert Roget, the composer behind the soundtrack of Helldivers 2, shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of orchestral music in video games. Prior to the game’s release, Roget contemplated stepping away from this genre, feeling that audiences were growing weary of orchestral scores. He candidly expressed the challenges of producing such music, citing its complexity, time demands, and financial burdens.
Funny story: before #Helldivers2 came out I considered moving on from writing orchestral #gamemusic – it seemed like players were getting tired of it, it’s absurdly difficult, time-consuming and expensive to produce, and I wanted to try new things. (1/3) https://t.co/plQ1A5Zx4BNovember 29, 2024
However, the enthusiastic reception of the Helldivers 2 soundtrack reignited his passion for orchestral composition. “Apropos of Thanksgiving, I’m profoundly grateful for the players, musicians, and @ArrowheadGS devs for restoring my hope & passion for orchestral scoring,” Roget stated. He acknowledged that while award shows often have their unique preferences, the broad appreciation from fans was the most gratifying outcome.
This heartfelt message was prompted by a comment from Johan Pilestedt, the creative director of Helldivers 2, who expressed his surprise that the soundtrack had not received any award nominations. Roget’s reflections sparked a wave of appreciation from fans, who took to social media to celebrate his contributions to the game.
Roget’s extensive background as a composer includes notable projects such as Call of Duty: World War 2, Mortal Kombat 1 and 11, Pacific Drive, and Star Wars: Outlaws. His versatility extends to television, with his recent work on the Netflix series Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance.
Creative Journey
Earlier this year, Roget also shared a glimpse into his creative process by posting an image of his initial concept sketch for Helldivers 2’s main theme, titled “A Cup of Liber-Tea.” He noted that this early version was significantly more aggressive and chaotic compared to the final product, a testament to his dedication to refining his craft. Fans can certainly appreciate the journey he undertook to deliver a soundtrack that resonates with the game’s community.