When assessing how music impacts entertainment categories, gaming is one area that tends to stand out. Sure, the music business plays a huge part in the movies we watch and the soundtracks that come with them, but it’s also an important element associated with gaming titles. In fact, without suitable music, video games fail.
Throughout the history of gaming, we’ve been exposed to some truly iconic tracks from some respected composers in the space. For example, from Nobuo Uematsu’s work in Final Fantasy to Martin O’Donnell’s compositions in Halo. Additionally, we’ve seen world-famous bands featured in games, and solo artists have their music in opening sequences. Without their input, games feel incomplete.
Thankfully, these days, games come fully equipped with top-notch tracks. Be it through a music-themed Jimi Hendrix slot and other online casino games or Persona 5’s strong acid jazz scores, music really is essential in gaming. Here’s why below.
It brings games to life
As mentioned, a video game without music can feel like an unfinished project. After all, music isn’t background noise that brings nothing to the table. In fact, music helps captivate gaming audiences by bringing a title to life further. It builds the mood, adds to the feel, and makes traversing an in-game environment feel even more real. For gamers seeking immersion and the type of atmosphere that makes them want to come back for more, music is essential.
Music affects our emotions
In gaming, the makers behind the games that players sample want the titles they share to affect our emotions and our human psyche. Music plays a key role in this, perhaps by activating a brain response to the tracks gamers hear. For example, in a horror title like Alan Wake II, an eerie location is even more daunting to traverse if some spooky music is playing, as it elevates those feelings. Likewise, fast-paced, energetic music is perfect for gamers who are tackling endless runners filled with epic action. Essentially, with the music matching the gaming experience on offer, it can really affect a gamer’s emotions and have an all-round powerful effect on our psyche.
Soundtracks evoke certain feelings
Music is powerful. It makes people have tears of joy at weddings, feel sad at funerals, and celebrate birthdays in the best way possible. Given the immersive gaming experiences of today, soundtracks and the like also evoke specific feelings. As seen in numerous Tony Hawk games and GTA titles over the years, music can enhance any virtual police chases, leave gamers toe-tapping to a classic, add even more suspense to proceedings, and even enable players to have more of a connection to a title’s deep storyline.
It can even guide gamers
The most avid gamer you know will tell you just how clever it is that music can change depending on the progress in the game. For instance, when a player leaves a bustling city where upbeat tracks are playing, things can take a darker, more somber turn when they’re in trouble and isolated. As such, sometimes the music being played guides gamers in the games they tackle. If they know enemies are on the horizon and zombies are creeping in given the music that has suddenly kicked in, then it can act as a guide for gamers.
A nostalgic dive
Of course, some music we listen to in video games even creates lasting memories for gamers to cherish. Some soundtracks in the gaming space are iconic and will always be associated with classic titles, while other tunes enable people to remember any specific virtual escapades they embarked on.