The connection between electronic music and video games dates back several decades. As noted by Magnetic Mag, “Video game soundtracks were among the earliest popularized forms of electronic music.” Today, contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from classic 8-bit games, and numerous prominent electronic musicians have ventured into the gaming industry. Here are three reasons why electronic music and video games complement each other so well.
Dance games
The energetic beats and steady rhythms of electronic music are perfect for gameplay that revolves around timing and movement. The tempo of many electronic tracks keeps players engaged and allows for easy synchronization of game mechanics with the music, which is crucial in rhythm games where players must keep up with the beat.
Iconic and critically acclaimed dance games like Just Dance, The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor, and Dance Dance Revolution feature electronic music prominently. The latter “pioneered the dancing game genre across various regions worldwide” (GameRant).
Additionally, other game genres utilize electronic music to enhance rhythm. Several platformers and shooters integrate music mechanics where players coordinate their jumps and actions to the beat.
Speed and sense of movement
In the game Tron Run/r, Sanzaru Games and Disney Interactive Studios enlisted the legendary Giorgio Moroder. Composer Raney Shockne collaborated with Moroder to create “a dynamic, flowing musical score that gives players a thrilling sense of speed, exemplified by the high-energy track ‘Recursion’” (per Sony).
Hotline Miami featured high-octane action accompanied by synthwave and EDM artists like Pertubator and Jasper Byrne. EDM.com highlighted that the “level backgrounds and the LEDs on PS4 controllers change colors in sync with the audio.”
Among its many realistic radio stations, Grand Theft Auto V featured two electronic stations that provided a vibrant soundtrack for fast-paced driving. The game included tracks from artists such as Aphex Twin, Flying Lotus, and Boys Noize.
Forza Horizon, a fan favorite in the series, showcased a Horizon Bass Arena electronic station featuring artists like Chase & Status and Nero.
Focus
Genres like trance, synthwave, and ambient music are often crafted to be repetitive, which aids concentration. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in games that demand focus. Some soundtracks are so effective at enhancing concentration that they are frequently enjoyed outside of gaming sessions. Many gamers listen to orchestral soundtracks from titles like Skyrim and Legend of Zelda while studying or working, and electronic soundtracks are also popular for maintaining focus. The repetitive structure of much electronic music is well-suited for tasks requiring concentration. Game music typically features repetitive themes with slight variations, allowing players to stay engaged while focusing on actions like jumping, running, or navigating traffic. Composer Josie Brechner explained to Mental Floss, “Essentially, successful video game music strikes a balance between being captivating and stimulating, yet not so overwhelming that you want to tear your ears off after the 10th or 100th listen.”
Takeaway
These are just three reasons why electronic music is extensively utilized in video games: its rhythmic qualities, speed and tempo, and its ability to enhance concentration.
