The History and development of Video game music

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1) Where did Video game music originate?

 

Video game music originated in the 1970’s when arcade games such as ‘Space Invaders’ (1978) was released. This game included a basic continuous melody, that involved simple beeps. It consists of ‘four descending chromatic bass notes’, which is now considered as the ‘first video game soundtrack’.

 

Source:

https://blog.blips.fm/articles/the-history-of-video-game-music#:~:text=It%27s%20origins%20can%20be%20traced%20back%20to%20the,many%20benefits%20music%20could%20bring%20to%20their%20creations.

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2) How has it evolved?

 

The origins can be traced back to the 1970’s in arcade games. Music was very limited and included sounds such as beeps and simple sound effects. However, it was not long until music developed, becoming whole compositions. This was the result of technology advancing, allowing composers to access more software for their creations.

 

Source:

https://blog.blips.fm/articles/the-history-of-video-game-music#:~:text=It%27s%20origins%20can%20be%20traced%20back%20to%20the,many%20benefits%20music%20could%20bring%20to%20their%20creations

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3) How has music improved since it began being developed?

 

Music has changed drastically throughout the decades, from simple rhythms to symphonies and bands. Music sets the atmosphere in games, and it contributes to the immersive experience for players. Technology has had a massive contribution to the improvement of

music, as the limitations of software has decreased, and allows musicians produce unique pieces for each game.

 

Source:

https://www.totalntertainment.com/features/the-evolution-of-music-in-video-games/#:~:text=The%20improved%20technology%20gave%20programmers%20more%20freedom%20to,than%20anything%20ever%20seen%20in%20the%20gaming%20industry