I recently read a post suggestion about music in games. HiveGC shared it. Obviously, I didn't have time, but I've been thinking about writing this post for a while. Today I had the opportunity to blog. I haven't had much time for HIVE lately due to my workload, so let's get started.
Importance of Music in Games
Music alone can tell a story or support the story of a game. For example, in Dear Esther, the music is almost non-existent when you first land on the island, but it gets better and better as you discover things. I was very impressed when I was playing this game, especially when the music with female vocals started when I came to the cave. I think music made specifically for a game should be like that. Or if previously composed music is to be chosen, special attention should be paid. If your music is not suitable for the atmosphere in the game, it can ruin the realism and believability. This makes for a very bad experience.
In some games, the music is so prominent and so effective that it can even get in the way of the game. For example, the song in The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim. Sometimes we even listen to this song while camping. But let me tell you a secret, there were times when I listened to it with my headphones even in the gym. Because it gets me so pumped up and makes me feel like I'm traveling through that land. It's a really beautiful composition, 30 people singing this choral song with the attitude of a warrior affects me deeply. It is for reasons like these that music has a very important place in games. Sometimes even outside the game, there can be music that reminds you of the game.
Projects Like God Of War And Witcher 3 That Spend A Lot On Music
We know that big companies spend a lot of money on the soundtracks of their big games. Especially if they are aiming for a new hit game, they pay extra attention to their music. Among these games, God of War attracted my attention the most. It makes you feel like you are playing a work of art because the music is very well connected to the theme of the game and sometimes even synchronized with the dialogues. In some places, the chorus gets louder, which is a sign to understand the seriousness of the situation.
However, Wolven Storm in Withcer 3... If a game cuts out the ambient music around you, there are two reasons why. Either you're about to watch a great performance or you're about to experience a terrible moment. And this song is one of them. When we enter the tavern, all of a sudden you can only hear people talking around you, and the clinking of glasses on the table tells you that you're about to experience something very different. And then Priscilla comes on stage. Our bard girl starts playing the song calmly and the game shows us the reactions of the people around. It's like a signal for us to understand how the song is going to feel. Then she gets into the lyrics and sings a great song. Even if you haven't played this game, I highly recommend this song, it might be one of the best songs I have ever heard.
Instead Of Composing A Soundtrack, NieR Automata Produced An Emotional Masterpiece
Last but not least, I want to tell you about an incredible list that I want to talk about, and that is the soundtrack to Nier Automata. Honestly, I would even argue that the music in this game is better than the game itself. I loved the game, it was a fun and beautiful game, but I may have listened to the soundtrack more than I played the game in total. Yeah, because it's composed in such a way that you can turn it on whenever you want to calm down. I think these songs are masterpieces in terms of emotionality. My favorite composition among them is The Color of Depression. I don't know why, but it makes me feel better every time I listen to it with headphones.
A game's soundtrack can also get ahead of the game. Nier is an example of that. It's a great achievement to have music that can play in the background even while reading a book or studying, but also to have notes that tell something when listened to carefully. Sometimes, even when I play Dungeons and Dragons, I want to use this music in emotional situations, but I always forget. I don't think we've ever had a situation with this much emotion, but I'm sure it will still be epic.
Actually, a good idea for a post would be music suggestions for tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons. Yes, I have to plan this post too.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, one of the factors that influence how good a game is its music. This is definitely the case. A game should have compositions that describe the environment and songs that fit the story. Sometimes there can be independent songs, like in the case of Witcher 3. But in general, if the music in a game is not catchy, if it's not remarkable, or if it's not related to what the game makes you experience, you lose interest after a short while.
I think we're past the days of generic music playing in the background all the time. Now games not only have their own music, but they also have music specific to their scenes. Legendary songs like In The Blood - Hades or, to give another example, Enchanters Dragon Age Inquisition, which are unique and will never be forgotten, are sure to sell games more. As we know, some games even sell their soundtracks separately.
If there is music you like and recommend, please write it as a comment, one of my favorite things is discovering new music and I look forward to your comments. Thank you very much for reading.