The Importance of Music in Gaming
Is music really that big of a deal in video games? Music in gaming is still a foreign subject for many people. Gamers know that music can influence video games on another level. When you are chilling and playing your video games, don’t you want to jam along to music?
There have been times when some of the classics, like Super Mario or Tetris, have produced real hits for the audience (I’m pretty sure many people can recognize Super Mario’s song anywhere). However, games have become something completely different as the years have gone by in a blink.
You can walk into a gaming store and easily not know any of the latest games there (don’t worry, it’s not your fault!). Recent updates and new technology in gaming make it difficult for anyone to keep up.
However, it’s not all bad as you get to see how the gaming industry innovates and brings in creative elements with new updates and tech. Speaking of creativity, the combination of music and games is something to be pondered upon — music gets everyone in a good mood (or at least, it does me!).
We have jumped around the topic of music and how it found its way into video games. However, there are many genuine reasons music should be in most, if not all video games.
It can make you feel more engaged
Are you one of those who enjoys playing games for hours? You may be familiar with the feeling of being tired or mentally exhausted. Vibing along to music while playing games will keep you in the zone of your game.
Music can change how you feel and act — you will feel more focused and energized to play the video game. Immerse yourself in the world of your game while keeping your mood lively and full of energy.
It builds the storyline
We know that every video game needs a storyline to keep all the players engaged and interested. And a storyline without music? That’s just not happening! Music needs to be in the game because it makes you bounce along to its vibe.
Haven’t you ever found your eyes glued to the television when watching a TV show just because the music gave out mystery vibes? Video games also need music so you can keep your eyes glued to the screen and your hands ready on the console.
Adding music to video games is a great marketing technique for the game producers as well. Music can become iconic, meaning gamers can also recognize a game by the music once it’s popular enough.
It inspires people
There’s no doubt that music has many benefits — it can relax you, get you in the party mood, and even motivate you… so, go ahead and become inspired! You can surely get the urge or inspiration to begin playing an instrument in real life when you play music-related games.
“Guitar Hero” can make you pick up a guitar, or “Dance Dance Revolution” might motivate you to sign up for dance classes. Playing video games is the perfect opportunity to see how you can motivate yourself. Discover your hidden passions and try them out in real life. Have you grown the urge to do something after listening to music?
It might better your performance
Contrary to what you may believe, music isn’t just for entertainment. Music can heighten your senses and give you the power to focus more clearly on your goals. Players can perform better in their games and score higher when there is background music.
If you don’t believe this, you can go ahead and test this theory. Even when you are invested in another task like studying, working at the office, or cleaning your room — you will often find yourself more productive if you’ve got the right music.
Listening to music helps you focus and makes you avoid any external distractions. Record yourself the next time you play your video game and keep count of your score – it will be way better with music than when there’s no music (you will probably be shocked at your own performance!)
It improves your memory
Well, here’s another benefit everyone needs… better memory. Haven’t you ever had the moment when you said, “I forgot to turn off the light” or “It completely slipped my mind to lock the door”? It’s alright; the best of us have gone through the same problem.
Background music and sound effects in video games can help improve your memory and let you recollect details that you would have otherwise missed. Things like objects, enemies, and sceneries in the game come back to you more easily, which in turn helps you play better.
The Future of Music in Video Games
No one can see into the future, but music in gaming surely has a bright tomorrow. Composers and music producers have found a new music career for themselves with its popularity on the rise.
It’s exciting to see how new games experiment with music innovatively. Gamers are on the edge of their seats to see the new integrations of music and games, as newer gaming tech keeps coming!
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