Meet Nga Weng Chio | Lead Composer for Film & Games

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nga Weng Chio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi NGA WENG, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Fusing musical elements from a particular culture into a score has always been my vision in composing. I love to combine traditional elements with different modern genres to create a new soundscape that aligns with the storytelling. Coming from Macau, I am hugely influenced by the diverse culture. Since Macau was once a Portuguese colony, there has been a lot of European and Portuguese influence on music and architecture. Besides, Chinese temples, culture, and music are also a huge influence in Macau. Growing up with classical music and Hong Kong pop music, these elements have been a mark in my composition journey, encouraging me to fuse the unfamiliar with the familiar.

This year, one of the most significant breakthrough projects I worked on was the highly anticipated RTS game Stormgate. As the lead composer, I was responsible for shaping the unique soundscape of the Celestial Armada faction, a high-tech, biomechanical race with a rich narrative and cultural background. This role went beyond composition—it involved music supervision, collaborating closely with the audio director and the development team to ensure the music aligned with the game’s immersive world-building.

To create the faction’s distinct musical identity, I integrated diverse elements, including processed vocals, synthesizers, and rare world instruments like the Xun and the Glass Armonica. The score needed to blend humanity and futuristic technology, reflecting the faction’s dual nature. This required a meticulous process of experimentation, from Bulgarian-style vocal recordings to layering electronic and orchestral textures.
The positive feedback from both the game’s community and industry professionals was immensely rewarding. Stormgate not only showcased my ability to lead a major project but also demonstrated my skill in delivering innovative and impactful music in a highly competitive industry. The soundtrack’s inclusion on the World Soundtrack Awards longlist further solidified its success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Thank you for the questions! My journey as a composer began in Macau, where I developed a deep passion for classical music and performance. This foundation was further strengthened at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where I studied music production and composition. My early industry experience as an assistant composer at Shanghai NetEase Games provided a solid understanding of interactive media and game scoring.

I then pursued a Master’s degree in Screen Scoring at the University of Southern California, which was pivotal in shaping my career. The program included extensive hands-on experience, such as recording sessions at world-renowned studios like Warner Bros. and Evergreen Studios, and mentorship from industry leaders like Garry Schyman. These experiences honed my technical and creative skills and expanded my professional network.

Beyond my work in game scoring, I’ve made significant contributions to film music. I’ve scored two feature films and over 30 short films and animations, many of which have been screened at prestigious festivals including The American Pavilion at Cannes, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, and the Montreal International Animation Film Festival. These projects allowed me to explore diverse narratives and refine my ability to enhance storytelling through music.

Recently, I had the honor of serving as the lead composer for the highly anticipated RTS game Stormgate, where I crafted the unique soundscape for the Celestial Armada faction. This role has been a career milestone, showcasing my leadership and creative vision while working alongside seasoned industry veterans. These experiences collectively highlight my versatility as a composer and my ability to lead high-profile projects, establishing myself as a prominent figure in both the game and film scoring industries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d pack the week with all my favorite LA adventures! We’d start with brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice, then stroll Abbot Kinney for quirky shops and street art before catching the sunset at Santa Monica Pier. I’d take them hiking to the Hollywood sign, and we’d fuel up with old-school glamour at Musso & Frank Grill. We’d dive into LA’s art scene at The Getty and The Broad, with a side of jazz at The Blue Whale. Beach day in Malibu? Yes, please—Nobu for sushi, Point Dume for epic views. We’d cap off another night with rooftop cocktails at Perch downtown. For some childhood nostalgia, a full day at Universal Studios or Disneyland is a must! And, of course, we’d hit my secret go-to spots like Echo Park Lake and Guelaguetza for incredible Oaxacan food. By the end, they’d know why I love this city so much—good vibes, amazing eats, and endless inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and organizations who have shaped my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to each of them. First, I have to give a massive shoutout to Penka Kouneva. Working with her on projects like Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV has been transformative. She’s not just a mentor but a true inspiration—always generous with her knowledge and endlessly encouraging.

Another person who deserves recognition is Nolan Markey. His leadership and guidance on projects like League of Legends and The Legend of Vox Machina taught me the nuances of orchestration and collaboration at the highest level. I’ve learned so much from his dedication and precision.

I also owe a lot to my time at USC’s Screen Scoring Program. The professors there, like Garry Schyman and Pete Anthony, pushed me creatively and gave me invaluable tools to navigate the industry. Beyond that, the network I built through the Society of Composers & Lyricists mentorship program and the Composer Diversity Collective has been indispensable. These communities have consistently uplifted and inspired me.

Lastly, I’d like to recognize my family. Their unwavering support, especially when I shifted from studying medicine to pursuing music, has been my anchor. Without their love and belief in my dreams, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.ngawengchio.com/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nga-weng-chio-%F0%9F%94%9C-gamesoundcon-740267287/

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Youtube: https://youtu.be/__Eemid_VBY?si=2qCEqxi-SnJ7tgDJ