Music has always been an integral part of the entertainment industry, and its importance has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the gaming industry. From classic video game soundtracks to modern cinematic scores, music has played a crucial role in enhancing the overall gaming experience. Over the years, game developers have recognised the potential of music to create a deeper emotional connection between the player and the game.
How does music impact our emotions?
In the gaming industry, music plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional experience of players. As in other contexts, music can elicit strong emotions in gamers, ranging from excitement to fear and relaxation. For example, a fast-paced, upbeat soundtrack may increase a player’s sense of urgency and excitement during an action-packed sequence, while a slow and ominous score can create tension and fear in a horror-themed game. Music can also help players to feel more connected to the game’s characters, storylines, and settings, adding to the overall immersive experience.
Classic gaming soundtracks
Some of the most iconic classic video game soundtracks are still remembered today for their ability to evoke strong emotions and nostalgia in players. One example is the soundtrack for the 1984 arcade boxing game, Punch Out!!, by Nintento. This soundtrack was the debut project composed by Koji Kondo, and had an intense, energetic rhythm that perfectly captured the feeling of a high-stakes boxing match and has become a beloved classic for adult gamers. Similarly, the opening theme of the Pokemon games, also composed by Kondo, is a beloved classic for adult games too that evokes feelings of adventure and excitement. These soundtracks have become so deeply ingrained in the adult gaming community that they continue to be enjoyed for many years and even outside of the game context.
Modern gaming
In modern gaming, music plays an even more significant role in enhancing the player experience. With advancements in technology, game developers can create more immersive environments with music to create different types of atmosphere that they want to create for gamers. In online casino games, for example, music is crucial in setting the tone for the game and immersing players in the theme of the games. In the online casino game Book of the Dead, for instance, the Ancient Egypt slot theme is brought to life through the use of music, as well as great graphics and the use of Egyptian symbols throughout.
In addition to setting the tone and creating an immersive environment, music is influential in modern gaming in many other ways. One example is the use of music to celebrate achievements, such as when a player scores a goal in FIFA. The celebratory music and sound effects that accompany a goal create a sense of excitement and achievement for the player, enhancing the overall experience of the game. Similarly, music is used to add emotional depth to the storylines of narrative-driven games, such as the hauntingly beautiful score of The Last of Us, which adds to the game’s emotional impact.
Famous soundtracks
Famous gaming soundtracks have gained recognition and acclaim in recent years, with some even winning awards. In 2023, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök won the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik, expertly blended traditional Nordic instruments with modern orchestration to create a powerful and emotive score. Other notable gaming soundtracks that have won awards include the scores for Journey, The Last of Us, and NieR: Automata.
These soundtracks have been recognised for their ability to enhance the gaming experience and their artistic merit, with some even earning nominations and wins at prestigious award ceremonies such as the BAFTAs and The Game Awards. The recognition of gaming soundtracks in the music industry highlights the growing appreciation of the art form and its importance in the gaming industry.
