Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
Music and gaming have always been closely linked. From the early days of gaming arcades, video games have featured distinctive theme tunes and soundtracks that players recognise instantly, even after just one round of gaming. As the gaming industry developed, so too did the relationship between the activities carried out on screen and what players could hear as they guided their favourite characters through increasingly immersive worlds.
Here in 2023, gaming is widely considered to be one of the most popular ways to be entertained online. As such, game development companies have found ways to do everything from creating emotional connections with players to conveying an authentic gaming atmosphere.
Music as an Emotional Connection
When it comes to video game music, developers aim to create a score that immerses the player in the game world. Whether it’s the epic orchestral score of a game like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or the bone-chilling piano melodies of Silent Hill 2, the music serves to create an emotional connection with the player.
Games like Journey take this idea one step further, with the music serving as an integral part of the gameplay. In Journey, the player controls a robed figure travelling through a vast desert, and the music changes based on the player’s actions. All of this helps to create a seamless experience that draws gamers further and further into the digital world. No wonder, then, that it was nominated for a Grammy in the 2013 awards.
Another example of a video game that fosters an emotional connection is the indie game Celeste, which features a stunning chiptune soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s challenging platforming levels. When players finally complete a difficult section, the music supports their triumph, further heightening the sense of accomplishment they feel.
Authentic Gaming Atmospheres
The rise of digital gaming has also seen a shift in how music is used to create immersive experiences. Online casino platforms like PokerStars Casino are using music, among other immersive techniques and technologies, to create authentic gaming atmospheres that perfectly capture the thrill and excitement of playing in a brick-and-mortar casino.
A great example of this can be found in the game Sweet Bonanza, a candy-themed slot that features a range of exciting bonus features. What sets this particular title apart from the hundreds of others that can be found on the platform is its use of music to create a fun and engaging atmosphere. The game’s soundtrack features a range of different songs, from upbeat pop hits to soothing ballads, providing the perfect accompaniment to the colourful visuals.
Furthermore, developer Pragmatic Play has also incorporated sound effects into the game that add to the immersive experience. The sound of candy dropping and the clinking of coins helps to build anticipation during the gameplay, while the classic sound of spinning reels only adds to the excitement.
Incorporating Well Known Tunes
Some developers take a different approach to music and sound design in the games that they create. Rather than working with composers to generate brand-new scores, some developers incorporate well-known tunes into a game to create a specific atmosphere or to help anchor the game in a particular time period or location.
One of the best examples of this can be found in the infinitely popular Grand Theft Auto V, which features a top-tapping selection of licensed music from a variety of genres, including hip-hop, rock, and pop. The game’s soundtrack perfectly captures the feeling of cruising through Los Angeles in a boosted car, with tracks like Radio Ga Ga by Queen and Lana Del Rey’s West Coast offering the perfect accompaniment to each character’s reckless escapades.
The incorporation of popular music isn’t just limited to open-world games like GTA V, however. Back at the turn of the century, games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 featured a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack of punk rock hits from the 90s, while the critically acclaimed Life is Strange series weaves in a range of indie music that perfectly conveys the game’s melancholic and introspective tone.
