Video Game Music Through the Years

The first sound track...

In 1978 "Space Invader" is an early example of how sound can be used in video games.

"Major Legue Baseball" was the first talking game for the home console

It all began...

In 1972, Pong was born. It's sonar blip that sounded as the ball was batted back was the first true video game sound.

8-Bit

Association

Game music is also used for association

Ever notice how a fimiliar sound can bring you back to a specific part of a game?

Conclusion

Advancements

Game music is all around us.

Pong Consoles

NES:8-Bit

SNES:16-Bit

16-Bit

A History of Video Game Music

Other Examples

Functionality

Battle Cue FF:XV

Game music can be used to push players in the right direction or evoke feeling.

Atmosphere of Super Metroid

Music is also used to expand upon the characters, setting, and world of the game.

Okami's World Building

Social Impact

Music has the power to overcome language barriers and bring people together. In this way, fandoms can exist regardless of language, religion, or ethnic background.

Music + Feelings

Videogame music evokes emotion to influence how the player feels during game play. The music can build suspense, change the pace of the game, signal a change in emotion or conflict, as well as indicate signs of achievement.