When it comes to video games in their various forms, we often discuss how they look in terms of the graphics and animations; or we talk about the gameplay. One thing that often gets overlooked is the music that is contained within the game, and just how important it is in helping to create an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience. So just how does music influence gameplay and how important is it for players?
The first thing to consider is the game itself and it's setting. It’s hugely important for the player to be immersed completely in the game, and music helps to do this by creating the atmosphere. Taking a first-person shooter game as an example, there’s no way a player would feel in the slightest involved; if the background music was the type you would find in a Super Mario game.
What is also key is that the music reflects the shift in the gameplay too. If you’re playing a game which is going from scene to scene, with different settings and emotions, the music has to go with it in order to keep the player immersed. Otherwise, if it’s the same sound playing repeatedly, punters will quickly lose interest and are likely to stop playing or not enjoy the gameplay as much.
It’s also said that music does improve performance . To be successful in whichever game is being played, from a sports simulator to an action-packed first-person shooter, the key is for the player to be focused; and music can significantly help improve this. Gaming soundtracks are specifically put together for this very reason, to help the player really focus and to be engaged throughout.
This is also proven by the fact that music used in video games has gone on to be used elsewhere in an attempt to improve performance too. It’s believed that music can improve productivity in the workplace and it’s also said to be a huge benefit to people who are studying or doing homework for example too.
Another area of gaming where music has had a real influence on gameplay is the world of online casinos. This industry is recognised as being fiercely competitive, and as a result, developers who create casino and slots games must focus on finding ways to not only draw in the players but to keep them engaged too. And they have all admitted to how essential getting the background music and audio right, in order to help enhance the actual gaming experience and the game’s long-term popularity.
Video slots games such as Immortal Romance and Game of Thrones do this perfectly and help to take the whole gaming experience to another level. In fact, it is no coincidence that sites have hundreds of slots and casino games that flawlessly incorporate music in all gameplay including bonus features and winning sequences.
Furthermore, you could also see music being used effectively for those playing table games such as poker; as it will help to increase their focus as they play, while also being able to keep the atmosphere relaxed throughout. It just goes to show how much music can influence gameplay as well as the players’ enjoyment and success while playing too. Music, in general, is superb in its own right, but music for gameplay serves a completely different purpose that can really take any game to the ultimate level.