Troy Baker and Austin Wintory talk becoming Indiana Jones and writing death metal polkas for Counter-Strike
Renowned voice actor Troy Baker and acclaimed composer Austin Wintory have established themselves as creative powerhouses in the gaming industry, and their personal friendship has blossomed into a collaborative partnership that exemplifies artistic synergy.
Baker is celebrated for iconic voice acting roles spanning major franchises, including Joel in The Last of Us, Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and the Joker. Wintory has earned critical recognition for his compositional work on award-winning titles including Journey, Abzu, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and Sword of the Sea.
Beyond their individual accomplishments, the two have developed a creative relationship characterized by mutual encouragement and willingness to explore unconventional ideas. In a recent interview, Wintory highlighted Baker’s openness to taking creative risks, describing his friend’s tendency to enthusiastically embrace experimental concepts regardless of how unusual they might initially seem.
Their collaboration extends beyond traditional project work, with the pair actively inspiring each other both professionally and personally. The dynamic between them illustrates how creative partnerships thrive when founded on genuine friendship and a shared philosophy of artistic experimentation. According to Wintory, the foundation of their successful collaboration is precisely this willingness to say yes to unexpected and ambitious creative directions—whether those involve mainstream blockbuster projects or more experimental endeavors like unconventional musical compositions.
This interview offers insight into how two of gaming’s most talented creative professionals maintain their edge and continue producing innovative work through genuine collaboration and mutual support.