Electronic Gaming Music: The Future of Soundtracks?

As the popularity of electronic gaming grows, so does the demand for high-quality music to accompany these visually-stimulating experiences. In this blog post, we explore the future of gaming soundtracks and how they’re evolving to meet the needs of today’s gamers.

The history of video game music

Many people think of video game music as a recent development. However, the first video game music appeared in Space Invaders, released in 1978. The soundtracks of video games have come a long way since then. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of video game music and how it has evolved over the years.

The early days of video game music

The earliest video game music was created using a simple sound synthesis technique called frequency modulation synthesis (FM synthesis). This basic form of sound generation was used in early video game hardware, such as the Commodore 64 and Nintendo Entertainment System. While simple, FM synthesis could create a wide range of sounds, from basic digital bleeps to complex melodies and rhythms.

Several classic video game soundtracks from the 1980s were composed using FM synthesis, including classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Mega Man. In the 1990s, game developers began to experiment with other forms of sound generation, including sampled sounds and MIDI sequences. These new techniques allowed for a wider range of sounds and more complex music composition.

One of the most important advances in video game music came with the development of streaming audio technology. This allowed for music to be played back in real-time as the game was being played, rather than being limited to pre-composed tracks. This opened up new possibilities for interactive and dynamic music composition.

Today, video game music has evolved into its own distinct genre, with composers creating unique soundtracks for games across all genres and platforms. Game music has been performed live by orchestras and bands around the world, and some soundtracks have even been released commercially on CD and vinyl. As video games continue to grow in popularity, it’s likely that game music will continue to evolve and influence the wider world of music.

The rise of synthesized video game music

The first video game music was created on simple electronic synthesizers in the early 1970s. These early game soundtracks were limited by the technology of the time and were often repetitive or unintentionally comical. Nevertheless, they laid the groundwork for the development of a new type of music specifically designed for video games.

With the advent of more powerful home computers and gaming consoles in the 1980s, video game music began to evolve rapidly. Composers began creating complex, melodic pieces that sounded more like traditional music than anything that had come before. A new generation of synthesizers and sound chips allowed for ever-more realistic and lifelike musical performances.

By the 1990s, video game music had come into its own as a distinctive genre, with influential titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog cementing its place in pop culture. Today, video game music is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and its popularity continues to grow.

The modern age of video game music

The modern age of video game music began in the early 1980s with the introduction of arcade games, home video game consoles and home computers. The use of digital sound synthesis allowed for more complex and realistic sounds, which greatly enhanced the gaming experience.

One of the earliest examples of this was on the Commodore 64 computer, with games such as Lazy Jones (1984) and Parsec (1979) using very advanced soundtracks for their time. This trend continued into the 1990s with the release of console classics like Super Mario World (1990), The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) and Sonic The Hedgehog (1991).

With the introduction of CD-ROMs and later DVD-ROMs, video game developers were able to include high-quality audio in their games, further enhancing the gaming experience. The first game to make use of this technology was Sega’s 1992 release of Virtua Racing, which featured an orchestral score recorded on a CD-ROM.

Today, video game music is composed using a variety of software synthesisers and samplers, which allow for a wide range of sounds and styles. Some video game developers have even begun to hire professional orchestras to record their soundtracks, resulting in truly epic gaming experiences.

The current state of video game music

The popularity of remixes

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of remixes, with more and more people looking to add their own spin on classic songs. This is no different in the world of video game music, where remixes have become increasingly popular.

There are a number of reasons for this increase in popularity, but one of the biggest is simply that remixes can be created by anyone with a computer and a little bit of creativity. This has led to a huge influx of new talent into the scene, and has allowed for some truly unique and creative takes on classic video game tunes.

With the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, it’s easier than ever before to find and listen to video game music remixes. This has exposed a whole new audience to the genre, and has helped to boost its popularity even further.

It’s safe to say that video game music remixes are here to stay, and that they’re only going to become more popular in the years to come. So if you’re a fan of video games or music, or both, be sure to check out some of the great remixes that are out there!

The use of licensed music

The use of licensed music in video games has been a controversial topic since the early days of the industry. On one hand, using preexisting music can save developers time and money, and it can also help create a stronger connection between the game and its players. On the other hand, some believe that using licensed music takes away from the creative aspects of game development, and that it can create an overall feeling of corporate greed.

The use of licensed music is still commonplace in today’s video game industry, but there has been a recent trend of developers creating original soundtracks for their games. This shift might be due to a number of factors, including an increase in development budgets and a desire to create a more unique experience for players. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that original soundtracks are becoming more popular in the world of video games.

The trend of live performances

The popularity of video game music has led to a trend of live performances, with various orchestras and ensembles around the world performing soundtracks from popular video games. These performances can take the form of symphonic concerts, rock concerts, or even laser light shows.

The first known instance of a live performance of video game music was in 1992, when the American composer David Warhol conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in a performance of music from Super Mario Bros. Since then, numerous orchestras and ensembles have followed suit, performing music from popular video games such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Halo, and more.

One of the most popular forms of live video game music performance is the symphonic concert. These concerts feature music from a particular game or series performed by an orchestra or ensemble, often accompanied by video footage or other visuals from the game itself. Many symphonic concerts have been held all over the world, with some becoming annual events.

In addition to symphonic concerts, there have also been rock concerts devoted to video game music. These concerts usually feature arrangements of music from various games performed by a rock band, often accompanied by a light show. One of the most well-known examples is The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, which has toured all over the world since its debut in 2012.

Finally, another popular form of live video game music performance is the laser light show. These shows feature arrangements of music from various games performed while lasers create visually-stunning displays. One notable example is Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Laser Light Show”, which debuted at E3 2017.

The future of video game music

The way we experience video games is changing. In the past, video game music was mostly an afterthought – something that was nice to have, but not necessarily integral to the gaming experience. However, as video games have become more cinematic and immersive, the role of music has changed.

The increasing popularity of e-sports

The popularity of e-sports has grown exponentially in recent years, with large tournaments being held all over the world and being watched by millions of people. As the popularity of e-sports has increased, so too has the demand for high-quality video game music.

Traditionally, video game music has been composed by individuals working independently or for video game development companies. However, with the rise of e-sports, there is now a need for music that is specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience and get the audience pumped up for the action.

This has led to the rise of electronic gaming music, or EGM. EGM is a subgenre of electronic music that is specifically designed for use in video games. It often features high-tempo beats and catchy melodies that are designed to get the heart racing and keep the listener engaged.

EGM is still in its infancy, but it is rapidly growing in popularity. Some of the biggest names in the electronic music scene, such as Skrillex and deadmau5, have already dabbled in composing EGM tracks. As the popularity of e-sports continue to grow, it is likely that we will see more and more artists getting involved in composing gaming soundtracks.

The rise of virtual reality

With the rise of virtual reality, game developers are looking for new ways to create immersive soundtracks that can transport players to another world. One example is the game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, which features a binaural audio mix that makes it feel as if you’re inside the character’s head. This type of music is designed to be experienced with headphones, and it’s becoming more common in games as VR technology becomes more popular.

other game developers are using AI to generate music that reacts to what’s happening in-game. For instance, the game Forza Horizon 4 features an automated music system that creates songs based on the player’s driving style. The game『s algorithms analyse the player’s speed, braking and cornering, and create a unique piece of music that changes as the player drives. This type of adaptive music is becoming increasingly common in games, and it allows developers to create soundtracks that are truly unique to each player’s experience.

The evolution of game engines

game engines have come a long way in recent years, with ever-more realistic graphics and sound. This has had a huge impact on video game music, which has had to evolve to keep up with the changing demands of gamers.

In the early days of video gaming, soundtracks were simple and repetitive, with limited instrumentation and little variety. This was due to the limitations of technology at the time; early video game consoles simply couldn’t handle anything more complex. As technology improved, so did the quality of video game music. The introduction of CD-ROMs and streaming audio allowed composers to create richer, more detailed soundtracks, with multiple tracks and variations.

Today’s video game music is truly incredible, with fully orchestral scores and dynamic soundtracks that react to what’s happening in the game. The future of video game music is looking even more exciting, with new technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality opening up even more possibilities for immersive, interactive soundtracks.