Gaming soundtracks are becoming increasingly popular as standalone works of music, beyond their use in video games. The quality of video game production has improved, resulting in better sound design and composition. Live gaming events further elevate gaming soundtracks as standalone pieces of music. More mainstream artists are incorporating gaming elements into their music, while some video game soundtrack composers have become respected music artists. Gaming soundtracks are considered works of art, and are actively promoted and recognized by the gaming industry. The future of gaming soundtracks is bright, with more opportunities for live performances and continued influence on contemporary music.
The Rise of Gaming Music: How Soundtracks are Taking Over the Music Industry
Introduction
Music has been a critical part of video game culture since the early days of gaming. It sets the mood, creates a sense of atmosphere, and immerses players in the game world. As a result, gaming soundtracks have been steadily becoming more popular among music fans, with many video game soundtracks now finding their way to top music charts.
Ushering in a New Era of Gaming Soundtracks
In recent years, gaming soundtracks have been gaining increased recognition as standalone works of music, beyond their function in video games. Soundtracks like The Last of Us Part II and Red Dead Redemption 2 have gained popularity on music streaming platforms like Spotify, where they have amassed millions of streams.
The popularity of gaming soundtracks can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing quality of video game production, which has resulted in better sound design and music composition. Additionally, the rise of live gaming events, where gamers can come together to experience gaming and music, has further helped to elevate gaming soundtracks as standalone pieces of music.
The Influence of Gaming Soundtracks on Contemporary Music
The rise of gaming soundtracks has influenced contemporary music in several ways. For instance, with the increasing popularity of gaming soundtracks, more and more mainstream artists are incorporating gaming elements into their music. Artists like 21 Savage, Ariana Grande, and Travis Scott have all sampled from video game soundtracks in their music.
Furthermore, some of the musicians who created video game soundtracks have established themselves as standalone music artists. For instance, Darren Korb, who created the soundtracks for Bastion and Transistor, has become a respected music artist in his own right, with his music being featured on various non-gaming platforms.
Gaming Soundtracks as a Form of Art
Gaming soundtracks are fast gaining recognition as works of art in their own right. Composers like Jesper Kyd, who has created the soundtracks for several popular video games including Assassin’s Creed, have been recognized for their contributions to the gaming industry.
Moreover, the gaming industry has been actively promoting and recognizing gaming soundtracks, with the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences having established a category for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition in its annual awards ceremony.
The Future of Gaming Soundtracks
Looking to the future, it is clear that gaming soundtracks will continue to have a significant impact on the music industry. With the increasing quality of video games and the popularity of live gaming events, there will be more opportunities for video game soundtracks to be played live, further bolstering their status as standalone pieces of music.
Furthermore, with the increasing influence of gaming soundtracks on contemporary music, we can expect to see more mainstream artists incorporating gaming elements into their music. The future of gaming soundtracks is bright, and we can expect to see them continue to rise in popularity and influence.
Conclusion
In summary, the rise of gaming soundtracks has been a significant development in the music industry. Not only have gaming soundtracks become standalone pieces of music, but they have also influenced contemporary music and have gained recognition as works of art in their own right. The future of gaming soundtracks is bright, and we can expect to see them continue to take the music industry by storm.