We all know that good musical accompaniment depends on the success of a good game, but how do these two factors come together on a psychological level? Let's find out together, in this dedicated article
Music, beyond video games, plays an important role in our lives. It manages to show and evoke emotions at the same time, bringing past experiences to light and allowing us to create new memories. Not only does it arouse emotions, but it is also the main element that triggers nostalgia. In video games, music serves the same function. For example, playing an old game takes us back to the moment we first played it: this is how music in games makes us feel nostalgic. Instead, if we play a title for the first time, we can understand the atmosphere and general mood of the game right from its soundtrack. Music also plays an important role in the popularity of a video game.
Acting as a universal language, music in video games brings people together. Furthermore, thanks to video game translation services, these titles are efficiently translated and adapted for a multilingual and multicultural audience.
How can music create atmosphere in video games?
Music in video games is like an invisible artist, ever-present throughout the gaming experience and providing players with a lens through which to observe and play. It contributes significantly to creating an immersive atmosphere and sets the tone of the game, allowing players to understand what kind of experience they are facing. For example, a horror game will use death metal to generate an eerie atmosphere. Through the use of soundscapes, games define the setting. The soundscape is a set of sounds artistically combined to create a specific effect, depending on the type of game.
Music is a storytelling tool
Music isn't just a sound that players hear while playing. It is quite one of the most effective storytelling tools describing a game. For example, in the game “Doom”, when the player is close to danger or his objective is about to be completed, the game music becomes intense. The intensification of the music explains that something big or grandiose is about to happen and guides the player towards his goals. Music has the ability to tell the entire story without even saying a single word. Furthermore, with the integration of a translation company, the linguistic aspects of the games are further translated so that the games become a complete experience for the players.
Psychology behind the music of different game genres
There's a whole psychology behind game music and the genres they represent. Simply associate your favorite characters with the catchiest songs to make it natural for you to think of the game every time you listen to the song. Games have a direct relationship with our memory and the same goes for game music. Let's take a look at how different music is used in various game genres and the tone they take on in the game.
Preview of adventure games
Adventure game music has a heroic tone. The music moves on high and low intervals and evokes emotions of anticipation. The game “The Legend of Zelda” features a surge of arcs that puts players in a position to explore the game more and more. The ups and downs of the music stimulate curiosity and make players think that there is something lurking to discover. Music makes players feel excited and curious and makes them feel ready to embark on the adventure that the game offers.
The repetitive melodies of puzzle games
The puzzle melodies are light and sweet. As the level progresses, they become fast and repetitive. This signals that players need to solve the puzzle faster, otherwise they will lose. At first, these repetitive melodies create comfort for players, but hearing the same tone over and over allows the player to think strategically. Furthermore, it creates a calming effect. And when players complete the puzzle, the music changes to triumphal music, congratulating them on their success.
Music for energetic and dynamic sports games
Games like FIFA are made up of music that evokes strong emotions. Songs like DJ Bravo's “Champion” and Shakira's “Waka Waka” have long been the go-to music for the energy they exude. The anthemic melodies and high-energy songs get the blood pumping and keep players hooked on the games. The catchy music inspires players by showing this high positive energy.
The poignant terror of horror games
There is a separate fanbase for horror games. The music helps make the themes spooky and disturbing and creates psychological terror in the players. Irregular drum beats make the heart beat. The timing of the horror figures and frenetic beats is what makes horror games the best. The absence of music in a horror game also makes the game more terrifying.
Conclusion
In summary, music is an essential part of video games that diversifies the gaming experience for players. The music of adventure games is responsible for increasing players' anticipation, while that of horror games triggers fear. On the other hand, puzzle games use repetitive melodies that are softer than the spooky music of horror games.