Nintendo’s Koji Kondo is the first composer to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame
The veteran sound director is best known for his work on the Mario and Zelda series
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) will induct Nintendo composer and sound director Koji Kondo into its Hall of Fame at the 27th DICE Awards.
Kondo, who joined Nintendo in April 1984, is best known for his work on the Super Mario, Legend of Zelda and Star Fox series.
He was responsible for sound programming, music, and sound effects in Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda for the NES.
He has since worked on many iconic games including the music for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario Sunshine, New Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Currently serving as senior officer of Nintendo EPD, Kondo will be the first composer to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame.
The first inductee was Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto in 1998, while the most recent was Double Fine’s Tim Schafer last year.
Kondo will be honored at the DICE Awards in Las Vegas on February 15.
“I am deeply thankful for being selected by DICE for this important award,” he said. “It is a true honor to be recognised in this way, and I am extremely humbled.
“Thanks to the help from the many people surrounding me and the support from our customers and fans, I was fortunate enough to be involved in game music development for decades. I am grateful for everyone who helped and supported me.
“I will continue my efforts in the music and sound aspects of development to hopefully make everyone’s game experience even more enjoyable in the years to come.”
AIAS recently announced the nominees for next month’s DICE Awards. A total of 56 games released last year have been nominated across 23 awards categories.
Spider-Man 2 is in the running for nine awards, ahead of Alan Wake 2 with eight nominations, Baldur’s Gate 3 with seven and Cocoon with six.