Mind Games, Part 1: Musical Meaning

Here’s a question that developers have been asking themselves for decades: “What makes an exceptional video game?” Does it adhere to time-tested game mechanics, or does it establish its identity through innovation? Does it rely on aesthetic value to capture the masses, or does it win hearts with its charming interface? Does it weave an incredible tale that connects players to their in-game characters on a multitude of levels, or do the players take an active role in weaving their own story?

The answer is yes.

It is a popular belief that video games fit the bill for artistic expression, so we could also apply what we know of traditional art in our search for the elusive “legendary video game.” One reason that so many people throughout history have enjoyed art, in all of its forms, is because it evokes an emotional response. How many people cried during the movie Titanic? Note that those tears were no accident.

There is something very psychological involved in the making of traditional and modern art, and the same is true for video games. Consider the effect of music when played in support of any theatrical performance. You may not have noticed because you were too caught up in the final loving exchange between Jack and Rose, but the most depressing scene in that movie was accompanied by some pretty emotional music. This should come as no surprise. Studies have proven that music has a verifiable effect on a person’s mood, be it positive or negative. Just take a moment to examine these examples of different types of music played for students prior to their exams, and you’ll understand why sad scenes sing sad songs.

In the case of video games, is it not safe to assume that an exhilarating, upbeat song with a fast tempo will get our adrenaline pumping during a high-speed driving pursuit? Is the story highly impacted by the music? To get a better idea of the efficacy of music in entertainment software, we’ll examine a few video games from history with an undeniably influential musical score, as well as the composers who worked on a majority of the titles.

• Final Fantasy Series (Composer Nobuo Uematsa)
• Metal Gear Solid Series (Composer Harry Gregson-Williams)
• Mass Effect Series (Composer Jack Wall)

Using these popular games as reference points, we can determine the effect of music on gameplay and story elements.

Seize by Immersion

Video games provide us with a means of escape from the daily grind. The more we can immerse ourselves in a video game, the more enjoyable the experience becomes. Unfortunately, immersion does not occur naturally. A solid story, an engaging environment, and believable characters are all elements that allow immersion to take place. A well-composed score will tie all of these elements together and provide players with additional sensory information that enhances the experience. Jack Wall achieves this with “stellar” results in the Mass Effect series. The cheesy 80’s sci-fi music featured in each Mass Effect installment creates an impression of mystery and allure that effectively plays on that part of the human psyche that thrives on the unknown.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Delivering retribution to the wicked is always more exciting when the onslaught is accompanied by invigorating music. If you’re an international spy infiltrating a military base with hundreds of guards armed to the teeth, you’re going to be pretty excited when they identify you and sound an alarm. In the Metal Gear series, the music doesn’t really pick up too much unless you’re in a heated battle with a boss or the alarm gets sounded. Harry Gregson-Williams’s use of tempo coupled with his orchestral arrangement aids in exciting players during combat. This leads to a slight burst of adrenaline, which increases overall enjoyment.

Once More, With Feeling!

Even video games are capable of creating magic moments. With the right mix of character personality, story build up, and musical mastery, games are capable of making players experience some pretty raw emotions. Gamers were so in love with the music of Final Fantasy VII that when composer Nobuo Uematsa joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic to perform the score, they sold out in three days. The score to that video game was so expansive and emotional that it was impossible not to be moved at several parts of the story.

Sometimes, a simple jingle will suffice. It’s important to acknowledge the casual gamer who just wants to have a little bit of fun. It’s probably not a good idea to invest half as many resources in the music and sound effects for a game like Sudoku as you would for a game like Skyrim. That’s not to say that casual gamers don’t enjoy the same qualities of an exceptional game that a hardcore gamer would. Here might be a good rule of thumb: the more story-driven your game is, the more resources you should invest in the music.