Meet Nga Weng Chio

We recently connected with Nga Weng Chio and have shared our conversation below.

NGA WENG, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As someone who comes from a culturally rich background in Macau, I’ve often found myself in environments where I’m the only person with my unique perspective and cultural experiences. Being “the only one in the room” has taught me the importance of embracing and sharing my heritage. I integrate elements from Chinese, Portuguese, and European influences—so prominent in Macau—into my compositions, which allows me to express my individuality and contribute a fresh perspective to projects like Stormgate.

Incorporating traditional Asian instruments and harmonies into a modern score helps me stay connected to my roots while blending seamlessly with contemporary storytelling. This approach not only distinguishes my work but also enriches the project with a unique cultural depth that others may not bring. Working alongside incredibly talented individuals, like Alex and other leaders at Frost Giant, has also reinforced the value of my perspective. These collaborations have been invaluable in navigating creative directions, learning from others, and confidently contributing my unique voice.

Networking has been another essential skill. As an introvert, I initially found it challenging to connect with others, but I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone and build relationships in the industry. I believe that hard work and perseverance create their own opportunities, so I continuously strive to make my presence and contributions meaningful. In spaces where I may be the only one who “looks like me,” I aim to bring my authentic self to the table—creating music that is both a reflection of my heritage and a bridge to connect with others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Nga Weng Chio, though most people just call me Weng. I was born in Macau and currently call Los Angeles my home, where I get to live out my passion as a composer for games and films. Music has always been my way of storytelling, a way to connect with people on a deeper level, and I’m incredibly grateful to work on projects that let me do just that.

Right now, one of the most exciting things in my life is being the composer for Stormgate, an upcoming RTS game developed by veterans who worked on iconic titles like StarCraft II and Warcraft III. It’s been an amazing journey, especially seeing how positively the community reacted to the piece I composed, Celestial Armada. It even made it to the World Soundtrack Awards, which was such a humbling experience.

I also have the privilege of collaborating with the legendary Penka Kouneva on projects like Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV. Additionally, I’m part of the orchestration team led by Nolan Markey, contributing to beloved franchises like League of Legends, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Vox Machina. And recently, I got to work with Steve Jablonsky on the Borderlands movie, which was a blast. Before moving to LA, I honed my craft as an assistant composer at Shanghai NetEase Games, which gave me invaluable experience early on.

Beyond games, I also score for films. I’ve been fortunate to work on features and over 30 short films and animations, many of which have been screened at prestigious festivals like The American Pavilion at Cannes and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. It’s always a thrill seeing projects I’ve scored make their way to platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

On the classical side, I’m a pianist at heart and hold a Piano Performance Diploma as a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music. My musical style is a reflection of my diverse cultural background—blending the unexpected with the familiar to create something unique and emotive.

In everything I do, my goal is to bring a sense of intimacy and authenticity, whether I’m scoring an epic battle in a game or composing a tender moment in a film. It’s this creative journey, filled with both challenges and rewards, that makes what I do so fulfilling.

If you’d like to stay in touch or learn more about my projects, I’d love for you to follow along—there’s always something new on the horizon!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been instrumental in my journey are adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. For those early in their career, here’s my advice on developing each:

Adaptability: As a composer working on diverse projects like Stormgate, Overwatch 2, and Diablo IV, I’ve learned that each project requires unique stylistic approaches. Being open to blending musical genres and integrating cultural elements has allowed me to bring fresh perspectives to my work. To cultivate adaptability, expose yourself to various musical styles and genres and seek projects that push you to experiment and grow. This will help you navigate any creative challenges and adjust your style to match each project’s needs.

Perseverance: The path in media composition is highly competitive. Out of many connections and applications, only a few lead to opportunities. Yet, I remind myself that hard work and dedication pay off. For those starting out, remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Keep refining your craft, stay prepared, and don’t get discouraged by rejections. Success often comes to those who are willing to work harder and longer, so embrace the grind and keep pushing forward.

Continuous Learning: The field of scoring is constantly evolving, and ongoing education has been crucial in my journey. My studies at USC in Screen Scoring, along with mentorships and hands-on experiences, have been invaluable in building my skills. To stay competitive, always seek opportunities to learn—whether through formal education, online courses, or mentorships. Keep improving your technical skills and expanding your musical knowledge to stay relevant in a fast-paced industry.

For those early in their journey, focus on building these qualities. Adapt to each new project, persevere through challenges, and never stop learning. These skills will help you create meaningful work and open doors to new opportunities.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been stepping into a lead role as a composer on “Stormgate,” a highly anticipated AA video game by Frost Giant Studios. This opportunity was a significant breakthrough, both professionally and personally. Competing with seasoned composers for this role challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone. I created a custom music demo and navigated several rounds of interviews, which reinforced my belief that hard work and perseverance pay off.

Landing this role has not only been a career highlight but has also allowed me to establish myself in an industry where female composers, especially those crafting “epic” or “combat” music, are often underrepresented. Working alongside industry veterans like Frank Klepacki and Tracy W. Bush, and contributing to a creative team that includes talent like Simu Liu, has been both inspiring and validating.

Through this project, I applied my classical training, honed over years of piano performance and collaboration with orchestras, to craft the unique soundscape for the Celestial Armada faction. The positive feedback from the community has been immensely encouraging, and it’s rewarding to see my music become a defining feature of the game. This role has not only showcased my abilities as a composer but has also inspired me to continue breaking boundaries and encouraging other young composers to pursue their dreams confidently.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Frost Giant Studios, Christian Amonson

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