So, What is Video Game Music? What Defines it As a Genre?
Many people in our world are familiar with some type of video game music. Even if one is not a "gamer," video game music still wiggles its way into many people's heads. In this introduction, I will attempt to answer why and how video game music is created in the most general sense. Then, I will assess each of my four case studies individually with a general definition of video game music in mind. But for now, let's look at video game music as a genre.
Game music composing may seem the same as any other sort of composing, but there are significant differences.
Themes and Leitmotifs
Video game music tends to have a heavy emphasis and importance on themes. In her book A Composer's Guide to Game Music, Winifred Phillips writes that leitmotifs are especially important in video game music. Leitmotifs are themes that "musically points toward a component of the overall work, drawing the audience’s attention to it, and acting as a reminder and as reinforcement of crucial concepts" (58). This is something video game music does well. An example some readers might know well is the Rainbow Road theme from Mario Kart. Take a listen:
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This theme indicates a certain course to the player, which is what leitmotifs are supposed to do. Just like places, leitmotifs can also signal certain characters or even game events to the player.
The "Zone"
Another important aspect in composing video game music is constructing the music to lead the player into the "zone." The zone is a mental state that maximizes game flow and player integration. There is a "hyper-alert and ultra-calm at the same time" (Phillips 98-99). Phillips talks about how creating music that helps players get into the zone can be different for each game. They tend to reflect the game's art style and general vibe without jumping out too much. Music that helps create the zone needs to fit seamlessly inside the game, not simply sit on top (Phillips 102). Often, this type of composing not only reflects the game's environment, but adds to it.
"The music serves a vital function in enhancing players ’ acceptance of the game world and their involvement with its characters" (Phillips 103).
"Music can serve an important role by simulating the state of mind required to be in the zone. To accomplish this, we need to ponder what makes that mental state unique and identifiable, and what musical techniques would be most evocative of that particular sensation" (Phillips 99).
The Game's Environment
Like I just said above, the music of a game should both reflect and add to the game's overall environment. The game's world could impact what instruments and music style to use. For example, if a game is set in a fantasy, Lord of the Rings-esque world, the composer might use "Celtic instrumentation such as harps and bagpipes" (Phillips 103). Pulling from real-world trends and musical traditions can help the player get into the fictional world of the game.
Now that we have a few defining qualities of video game music, I would encourage you to take a look at my five case studies that serve as a variety of examples of video game music and its impacts of players.