Music and Its Place In Games

Music always improves games when used correctly and the right type of song is played at the right time. But is there a time when there shouldn't be any music playing? Somewhat unsurprisingly, yes, there are times where lack of music has its place.

Many games have wonderful soundtracks that have lasted for a long time, Final Fantasy being a prime example. However, its also true that just having the music in the game made it that much better, whereas alone, the themes would have gone unnoticed by the general audience and the same could be said for the game. The Battle Themes are very catchy and played at the right moments, getting more intense as the battles do. Final Fantasy is a very good example of a game using its music to the furthest extent.

While having music in a game is perfectly fine, there is also another way to use music in games; not playing music at all. One recent game that does this with stunning accuracy is The Walking Dead. It lets the player listen to soothing music when things are good, tense music then things are awry and most amazingly, no music at all when the moments are focused on heavily on characters. This is used most at the end of the game, allowing the player to let what happen sink in without blaring music distract them.

Unfortunately, music is often not thought of very highly in newer games, leaving a lot to be desired when playing. One of the easiest ways to spruce up a game is by adding music, however, it can ruin a very fun game if during a touching or heart breaking moment, a rock solo came in. This too can be abused in a good way however, as a shown in Project Giana which uses a powerful guitar song while in a bright joyful world, and peaceful music while switched to the more dark and evil world.

Music is a powerful tool in games which is sometimes overlooked, however, when used correctly and at the right times it can produce a lasting effect that will always be remembered by the players.

-Ayrton Hunt