Imagine a world devoid of sound, a vast expanse of images with no melodies to decipher. What would we make of a world without the power of music to stir our emotions and imaginations? It would be like watching endless motion graphics with no depth or meaning.
Similarly, imagine a game without music; we would be left stranded, unsure of how to proceed. The truth is that musical notes are like the building blocks of a game’s atmosphere and storyline, setting the tone for the mood and events to come.
In football games, the sound of the crowd roaring with excitement adds to the immersive experience. Players can feel like they are on the field, with the cheers and shouts of the audience driving them to push harder and score the winning goal.
In the world of online blackjack at Ignition Australia, music plays a similar role. The sound of shuffling cards, the dealer’s voice, and the subtle background music all contribute to the immersive blackjack experience.
Players can feel part of the game, participating in the action and making strategic decisions based on the sounds and music around them. Terms like “hit,” “stand,” and “double down” take on a new level of excitement and urgency when accompanied by the right sounds.
And when it comes to racing games, spinning tires, and engines revving up in anticipation, the sound of brakes and horns blaring sets the scene for an immersive racing experience. Now, imagine the same scene but without sound. Would it feel the same?
This article will analyze the relationship between music and engagement in gaming, exploring how music enhances the gaming experience and contributes to the overall emotional impact of the game.
Historical Background
Who knew that such a simple thing could create an effect mimicking a vision? The use of music started appearing in video games, and like its graphics, it was plain. Creators used simple sound chips to generate the atmosphere for a better gaming experience.
Most of us know the famous arcade game Space Invaders. This game designed a tune for an immersive gaming experience, featuring a four-note lament bass descending chromatically, repeated in an ongoing loop.
The Development of Game Music and its Impact on The Industry
Although the use of music in the gaming industry started small, its importance grew as the industry grew. In the late 1970s, home consoles were introduced, marking a remarkable turning point, starting with the first home console, the Atari 2600. This console had a more developed sound chip that could produce complex sound effects and contain more music.
Evolution of Game Music Technology and Sound Design
Throughout the years, technology has shaped modern gaming. In the early 1990s, the evolution of game music technology saw a significant breakthrough with the CD-ROM Video Game Console. Introducing compact discs allowed developers to experiment with different and more complex atmospheres.
This was largely due to the extra storage capacity provided by CDs. Game creators could store bigger data, specifically high-quality soundtracks, and sound effects. “Final Fantasy VII” is a great example of complex, high-quality music featuring an entire orchestral score composition.
How Does Music Influence Engagement?
Dopamine, one of the feel-good neurotransmitters and the hormone of motivation and pleasure, is released when listening to music. The body responds to listening to music we enjoy by signaling the production of the hormone dopamine, which in turn affects how we feel and perceive things.
Individuals tend to become relaxed, engaged, and more motivated. In the world of gaming, the implementation of music affects players, making them feel patient and eager to keep playing, which is the dream of every game developer.
In terms of psychological and physical effects, music has shown promising results in pain management. Furthermore, music improves cognitive abilities and memory, enhances sleep, reduces tension, and inspires motivation. During stressful situations, listening to music can affect the autonomic nervous system, helping to soothe pain and promote faster recovery.
Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) analyzed 400 studies and found that listening to music boosts immune system function by increasing the production of immunoglobulin A (an antibody) and natural killer cells, which fight cancer. It also lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress.
Different Ways in Which Music Can Be Used to Create Engagement in Games
The concept of gaming has created a virtual reality where individuals can be entertained and escape day-to-day life responsibilities. Besides visual stimulation, developers have concluded that music is a key element in perfecting the gaming experience.
The musical component contributes to the game by adding sensory stimulation, locking in gamers, and entirely focusing on the game. Moreover, the build-up of musical tones increases excitement, and sometimes, during anticipation, certain sound effects may throw the gamer off-guard.
Sound effects also let gamers know when achievements are unlocked and whether they have picked up an important item. Notes and music are no longer just about an immersive gaming experience; they are crucial to the game and part of the game routine.
Music and Storytelling
Gaming is indeed a ritual; like most rituals, the need for music is indispensable. One of the most popular games nominated for the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is a living example of addictive, sensual, and captivating music. Throughout its course, Skyrim has maintained a high level of popularity, even years after its release.
Online gamers continue to enjoy this game, and one of its huge successes is its soundtrack. As many as they are, one of the most popular is “Far Horizons.” Some say this track is enough to crack the harshest of hearts, as its nostalgic tones take a player directly into the ancient times among the plains before the dragons.
Many tracks were dedicated to this compelling game, specially created to envision the feeling of slaughtering a mighty dragon somewhere off on some high mountain. Suddenly, the music adapts to the movement into a new lair.
Whether it’s Journey’s End, Silence Unbroken, Unbound, or The City Gates, these tracks go beyond the game as they are downloaded and enjoyed by many fandoms. Moreover, some gamers will go the extra mile and host a wedding with the music and build a wedding theme around the game.
It’s safe to say that music is integral to our lives, an element that keeps us company. Video game music has become an art and a business. It’s only natural that as we draw into virtual reality, the music finds its way to us, creating a sense of reality and a gaming atmosphere. If anything, music is letters unspoken but heard and understood nevertheless.
