Although most of us never consider it, imagine what it would be like to play your favorite game without any music. You’d go through the motions in silence, fighting bosses or completing puzzles on your screen with no sounds to let you know how you’re progressing or if you’ve encountered something valuable.
When thought about this, it becomes obvious that music isn’t just an accessory in games; it often makes games what they are. Sure, the graphics are important, but something important is lost without music. You can test this by turning down the volume the next time you play your favorite titles. Chances are, you won’t find that game as satisfying without the soundtrack.
This article explores how music enhances storytelling, immersion, and emotional impact in games.
The Role of Music in Gaming
There are so many examples of music’s impact on gaming it’s hard to choose just one. In the same way that a soundtrack can become a movie’s theme, soundtracks in gaming do the same. When we think of the best soundtracks in gaming, The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy are among the first video game series that come to mind. The iconic music in these games sets the tone of the entire gaming experience, helping to create a rich, immersive environment that compliments the graphics we see on the screen. The music helps transport players to another world, where they can be heroes, and sets the stage for future adventures.
The name behind some of the most impressive orchestral arrangements for video games is the Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu. His scores have accompanied players on epic quests and have played an important role in the storylines of these hit games. One of the most famous examples of this is Aerith’s theme in Final Fantasy VII, where the music helps convey the tragedy of her loss. Another example is Silent Hill, where the music masterfully creates a sense of dread in the player, perfectly aligning with the game’s horror theme. These games wouldn’t be the same without these musical pieces, which have made them unforgettable.
Music in Online Casinos
While you may not notice it when you enter an online casino, music is hard at work in the background, helping to set the mood. When a player is playing live table games, the music helps mimic the atmosphere of a brick-and-mortar casino. Without music, visiting a casino online might be an empty experience, but with music, there’s an added layer of realism that keeps the players engaged.
Some of the most popular background tracks include smooth jazz or classical music. Developers of these games carefully curate the playlists to ensure players have a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Although the music doesn’t tell a story in the same way as in other types of games, it’s still there, guiding the player through.
Music and Narrative Integration
Another powerful tool in reinforcing storytelling is using leitmotifs or recurring musical themes. Leitmotifs are short, musical phrases associated with particular characters, locations, or ideas. They make it easier for game developers to build a unified narrative. In Undertale, for example, each character has a musical theme, and their sounds reflect the character’s personality and role in the story, enhancing the overall coherence of the game.
Similarly, The Witcher 3 enhances its complex story through recurring musical themes. Thus, the wild ruggedness of Geralt’s theme reflects his rugged and heroic path, reinforcing this storytelling element. Therefore, These musical cues gather all story points together and provide audio coherence, making the gaming experience more immersive and engaging.
5 Video Games with Unforgettable Soundtracks
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This open-world adventure game features a sweeping orchestral score with memorable tracks like “Kass’s Theme” and “Tarrey Town.” The music by Manaka Kataoka and Yasuaki Iwata evokes a sense of wonder and adventure, perfectly capturing the vastness and beauty of Hyrule.
- Journey: Composed by Austin Wintory, Journey’s award-winning soundtrack features hauntingly beautiful tracks like “Nascence” and “Apotheosis.” The music, performed by the Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra, is an integral part of the game’s emotional journey, adding depth and resonance to the player’s experience.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: This open-world western boasts a diverse soundtrack featuring original compositions by Woody Jackson and licensed tracks from artists like D’Angelo (“Unshaken”). The music in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rich tapestry of genres, from folk and bluegrass to blues and rock, all contributing to the game’s authentic atmosphere.
- NieR: Automata: Keiichi Okabe’s soundtrack for NieR: Automata is a haunting blend of orchestral, electronic, and vocal music. Tracks like “Weight of the World” and “City Ruins” feature haunting vocals by Emi Evans and J’Nique Nicole, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
- Undertale: Toby Fox composed the entire soundtrack for Undertale, a unique and eclectic mix of chiptune, orchestral, and electronic music. Memorable tracks like “Megalovania” and “Hopes and Dreams” perfectly capture the game’s quirky humor and heartfelt story with their catchy melodies and nostalgic sound.
