The History and Development of Video Game music

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Introduction

My chosen genre for this project is ‘Video Game music.’ I decided to produce my research around this genre, as video games have always been a key interest of mine from an early age. Throughout my life, I have been introduced to a variety of games, ranging from mobile games to arcade games, to video games, all of which have unique soundtracks that have inspired me to conduct my research. I will be covering a variety of topics including: The origin of video game music, Key characteristics of video game music, The development of video game music, Key composers, and My composition. By the end of my essay, I aim to produce a successful and detailed description of the key aspects within video game music.

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Origin of Video Game Music.

When the 1980, arcade game, ‘Rally X’ was released, it was soon to be considered as the first game to contain music, due to it consisting of a repetitive melodic soundtrack. This may have been a turning point for composers, as it highlights the complexity, and development of music alongside the potential that music held when being created. However, earlier, more simple soundtracks can be traced back to 1978, when popular arcade game, ‘Space Invaders’ was released. This game only consisted of four descending bass notes, with the tempo increasing as the enemy became closer to the player. This was supposed to build suspense, creating an intense atmosphere for the player, intriguing them to continue playing. This was the beginning of interactive music in video games, as the music was reacting to the atmosphere. Regardless of the simplicity within these pieces of music, it inspired millions of composers worldwide to create the unique soundtracks known in video games across the globe today. Without these soundtracks, it is unknown whether music in video games would be as advanced as it is currently.

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Key Characteristics of Video Game Music

There are a variety of characteristics that are seen within music for video games. One aspect that is common amongst most soundtracks is the repetitiveness of each piece. This may mean that the music is looped to create the idea that the player is in the same stage of the game, or there are no major events currently taking place. Composers may also do this to allow the player to recognise the uniqueness of the music in the game itself, as they will become familiar with the tunes used throughout. Overall, this is a useful way of allowing the player to appreciate the music within the game.

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Another aspect that is seen in video game music is that the introduction will foreshadow the emotions portrayed within the game. For example, the ‘Call of Duty’ franchise use an orchestra to compose the music for the main menu screen while players wait to enter the game. The dramatic music allows the player to prepare themself and motivate them for the war – like atmosphere that they are about to embark upon. Another example of this is highlighted through the game, ‘Mario Kart,’ as the main menu music was composed to encourage the player to perform to the best of their ability. This music consists of a software – based tune, created to evoke energy, persuading and motivating the player to win throughout each game. Similarly, the music at the end of each race also changes depending on whether the player won or lost, being lively and joyful if the player has a high score and becoming deep and shameful if they had a lower score.

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A final aspect that is seen in every video game composition is the atmospheric nature throughout each piece. This means that when composers are creating their music, they use the games’ setting and story as inspiration. This also means that the use of instrumentation may vary, as in a free – roam game, the composer may ultimately decide to use a piano with ambient music in the background to highlight relaxation. Whereas in a violent game, the composer will be more likely to use a band or orchestra, like the previously mentioned ‘Call of Duty’ franchise, to illustrate the aggression and harsh nature of the game. The difference amongst every game allows for a unique sound within each piece.

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Development of Video Game Music

Music in video games has developed drastically over the decades, as software has improved and become easily accessible for musicians to use across the world. When video game music began being composed, pieces commonly consisted of a basic melody or a few chords on a loop throughout the game. In the more recent years, music has become more suitable for each game, specifically highlighting the development of this music. However, there is an exception, as arcade music has not changed drastically throughout the years. The majority of these games contain an upbeat tune, inspired by that of, ‘Space Invaders’ or with a soundtrack similar to that of, ‘Pacman.’ Newer arcade music continues to be digitally composed, further resembling arcade games from the past, with a slight difference of being more advanced. Music in video games such as ‘Call of Duty’ contain heavy soundtracks to highlight the intensity of the game. For example, composers of the 1993 game, ‘Doom’ took inspiration from artists such as Pantera and Metallica which suits the overall story of the game through the violence depicted throughout. The stereotype of the Metal genre, as a whole, may evoke the brutality within each aspect of the game, inspiring composers of similar games to further include this genre, as it allows players to prepare for the vicious nature of the

game. Free roam games such as Minecraft illustrate the idea of peace, which has heavily influenced the music within it. The use of piano in the ‘Overworld’ strongly evokes freedom, similar to the implications of the instrument itself. However, the music within the, ‘Nether’ juxtaposes this, as the use of ambient music is added to create a sense of unease and unpredictability, to highlight the overall evil nature of this realm.

These are vital examples of music within video games, and how they have developed over the years, from basic sounds, to complete compositions. Composers have a variety of opportunities to use orchestras, solo artists, bands or software to produce their music, also obtaining the potential to take inspiration from any genre to compose their soundtrack. The limited resources of the past, restricted musicians to basic melodies and soundtracks. Whereas in the modern day, composers have almost unlimited resources, allowing them to create extraordinary tunes. Unlike previous decades, software and recording equipment has become more reliable and easily accessible, allowing composers from across the world to produce their own unique compositions.

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Key Composers

Worldwide, there are many composers who have created life – changing soundtracks. One example of this, is the successful 1983 arcade game ‘Super Mario Bros’ composer, Koji Kondo. Kondo is responsible for producing one of the most memorable tunes amongst music and video game lovers, as this piece has been globally praised. This simple tune is easily identifiable as the ‘Super Mario Bros’ theme, due to the songs’ uniqueness. Two years after its release, in 1985, this theme became the first video game tune to hold a place in the US National Recording Registry, in the Library of Congress, further evoking the success of the song and the composer himself. A brief time after, Kondo decided to compose music for more games, including, ‘The Legend of Zelda,’ which was another major success. These examples, specifically the, ‘Super Mario Bros’ theme are examples of extremely successful compositions that have changed how people view music within video games.

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Another example of this is through the composer for Minecraft, Daniel Rosenfeld, also known online as C418. Developers of the game allowed Rosenfeld to create music under his own instruction. This meant that the composer had complete freedom when writing music for the game, allowing him to use his creativity to build the popular and well – loved soundtrack that inspired millions across the globe. These composers share a variety of similarities, that include: their ultimate success when creating video game music, their ability to adapt their music to the game as a whole, meaning it is suitable with each aspect of the game and the ultimate impact their music has had upon the

world, as they have each contributed further towards the development and awareness of music within video games.

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My Composition

For my composition, I aim to create a piece inspired by Koji Kondo’s Super Mario Bros theme, as I feel this, more than most other video game songs, have had a massive impact on me. This tune is the earliest recollection I have amongst video game tunes, due to my love for the ‘New Super Mario Bros’ game on DS as a child, which includes the same theme within. I will be using this as inspiration to create an original and unique piece on BandLab. I aim to create the whole tune digitally to further resemble that of Kondo’s composition. My composition will be in a major key, consisting of a relatively fast tempo, with a syncopated rhythm to foreshadow the unknown within the tune. I have further decided that my piece will be upbeat and energetic, similar to that of Kondo’s music. This will ultimately allow the listener to embrace my composition and recognise the development of the overall genre.