Music’s Role in Video Games

Music is the often unsung hero of masterfully crafted games.

I love listening to music. Music is an outlet that speaks to my emotions. I also use music to alter my mood.

It is easy to create playlists to envoke certain emotions and moods. Game developers actively take advantage of these deep-seated reactions humans naturally have.

Many beloved games have unique sounds associated with them. If the game becomes iconic, so too does the music associated with a given game.

Additionally, the unique music is used to set a specific mood for a given level/area/time in the game. I often find this used most successfully in horror games, but other genres effectively use music for mood too.

My personal favorite use of music is when it’s used as the mechanic itself. When music is used strategically, it adds to the complexity and ultimately the joy of a game.

Music & Iconic Games

You know how some songs start to play and you know exactly what it is? That moment is amazing. For me, it’s even more amazing when the song is from a popular game.

The Minecraft theme is still nostalgic for me. I associate this theme with good memories of a simpler, more innocent time. I have developed a similar love for music from Stardew Valley.

In both games, the music enhances the game experience. A legendary game is typically accompanied by an amazing musical score.

Music related to power-ups also enhances the experience and leaves the player with memories. I still get excited when I hear the music that plays whenever you activate star power in Mario Kart.

Mario Kart also uses music well to indicate how close you are to the end of the race. The frantic pace of a previously calm piece of music subtly conveys how near the end is.

Music Sets Tone

Horror games are especially well known for using music to set the tone. When the music stops or becomes creepy, you know something unpleasant is near.

Other games often employ a similar tactic to indicate that a boss battle is nearby.

The most brilliant and off-putting use of music is when it’s persistently used as background noise to set a specific mood. I distinctly remember the music and sound effects in Dead Space 2 being used to this effect.

Dead Space 2 masterfully used these elements to always keep me on edge while playing the game.

StarCraft II also used music well. It helped me feel invested in the campaign mission and matched the mood of the narrative.

Starcraft’s music was one element that made it such a compelling game.

Music as a Mechanic

Some games are entirely based on music.

Dance Dance Revolution 2 is an easy example. The players have to dance in time with the beat and tempo.

Although I’m forever awful at this game, I acknowledge it’s a fun mechanic. It also feels incredibly satisfying when you finally complete a difficult level/song.

Thanks to an active community, I can successfully dance to some of my favorite songs.

Just Dance, another successful series, also hinges on music as the backbone. Dancing in perfect sync to some of my favorite songs in immensely satisfying.

Guitar Hero and Rock Band are also based entirely on music. The satisfaction of perfecting your favorite songs was gratifying. If I closed my eyes, I could almost imagine I was the one playing the music.

I know I felt amazing when I 100% Sweet Child of Mine on medium difficulty. Did I forget to mention that I’m a permanent noob?

Overall, music is an unappreciated but vital component of most majorly successful games.

When awe-inspiring music meets a compelling game narrative, these two elements complement each other. The result is a more whole and enjoyable experience.