All games have their own characteristic musical accompaniment, and often we underestimate its impact. However, once we hear those familiar tunes, they have the power to transport us back to the game’s world in an instant.
The melodies and rhythms become intertwined with our memories, evoking moments of triumph, adventure, or even nostalgia. Whether it’s the energetic beats of a racing game or the haunting melodies of a suspenseful quest, game music holds a special place in our hearts.
It may be rap, Latin music, or techno. Pop and rock, along with the latest addition, trap. This music is a testament to the artistry behind game development, where every note enhances the immersive experience and becomes an unforgettable part of the gaming journey.
Indie music influence
But there is also another musical genre that has made its way into the hearts of users, especially the younger ones. We are talking about Indie, the flagship of alternative music and underground culture.
With its declinations between indie folk and indie pop, passing through indie rock and even underground hip hop, this musical genre fills radio schedules but above all stadiums, recently also reaching a new space: that of gaming.
G. Benazzi of the Italian site Gaming Report, comments: “Music in the creation of video and online games is indeed a very important component. It takes part in shaping the user experience, emphasizing particular moments of the game or creating a pleasant atmosphere, it contributes to the success of a title, linking its notes inseparably to that video game”
Generations of fans still have the soundtrack of video games such as Fifa or GTA San Andreas in their ears, melodies and sounds that still evoke a far-off period of our childhood, adolescence, afternoons spent in front of the Play Station, or stuck to the computer.
“Today, the binomial between music and gaming takes on even greater meanings, as demonstrated by the online casino sector, which considers music and soundtracks as a factor in establishing partnerships with software houses. A kind of partnership that is incredibly relevant for both industries, which find new success, new audiences, new channels”, comments the Gaming Report expert.
As is the case for the indie genre, which mixes perfectly with the equivalent sub-category in the gaming world: that of independent video games. These are games produced by small houses, often characterized by minimalist design and therefore also by original soundtracks.
We are talking about the so-called OST, Original Sound Track, as is the case for some games such as ‘Owlboy’, created by D-Pad Studio with music by Jonathan Geer, or ‘Hyper Light Drifter’, an action game by Heart Machine with industrial and dystopian notes by Disasterpeace.
But the list would be very extensive and it would also include a cult title such as ‘Hotline Miami’, a shooter by Dennaton Games that was a real publishing case in 2012. Its soundtrack featured the collaboration of various artists such as Elliot Berlin and El Huervo, Sun Araw, and Jasper Byrne. A true ‘indie’ army conquering new scenarios.