From the bleeps of early consoles to full orchestras in modern titles, music has always been a big part of gaming. Currently, the gaming music market is said to be worth some USD 1.77 billion, so it’s a real money spinner, too, and no wonder because a great soundtrack can turn a normal session into something much more immersive, and real – almost.
Take The Legend of Zelda, for example. The themes feel adventurous, mysterious, and heroic, all bundled into one. Walking through Hyrule or exploring a dungeon feels completely different when the music is guiding your mood, which it does, subtly. And Super Mario Bros. does the same thing. Its cheerful, catchy theme perfectly matches the playful gameplay, and even people who’ve never played it probably recognize the tune.
Other series have left their mark, too. Final Fantasy’s soundtracks often feel like mini-movies, with cool battle themes and emotional character motifs that make story moments hit that little bit harder. Sonic the Hedgehog’s fast-paced tracks match the high-speed gameplay-cum-chaos perfectly, and Pokémon also uses music to make towns, battles, and routes feel even more unique.
Music matters in spaces outside traditional gaming, too. The best offshore online casinos, for example, use their soundtracks to build excitement around their huge pool of games. Spinning reels, card games, and bonus rounds often come with music that makes the experience more engaging and fun for players across the globe..
In all these games, music isn’t just background noise – it shapes the experience and sticks with players long after the game is over.
Even games outside traditional adventure, platform, or igaming genres have iconic music. The Last of Us uses subtle, haunting melodies to bring the post-apocalyptic world (and those horrifying clickers) to life. Gustavo Santaolalla’s work is simply stunning, and makes quiet moments feel lonely and tense scenes feel urgent. Then there’s Resident Evil, which does something very similar. It uses dark ambient tracks and sudden scary stingers to make players wary of every shadow and doorway. In both these games, music almost becomes a character in a way, influencing how you feel and react.
Both these games prove that game music definitely isn’t just about cheerful or dramatic tunes. In these games, music sets the mood and creates tension – sometimes a lot of tension. Indie games show this, too. Celeste’s soundtrack beautifully balances tense climbing sequences with quiet reflection. Hollow Knight’s haunting themes make its mysterious world feel alive, and Undertale’s music captures humor, suspense, and drama all at once. Sound design here is just as important as level design or storytelling, helping to manipulate how we, the players, experience the game.
Iconic video game music sticks because it makes players feel something. Tunes played during exploration, battles, or victories are often remembered for years. Chances are, you can remember a tune from your very first video game as a kid. You see, music triggers nostalgia, brings back memories of late-night gaming, and makes familiar games feel comforting.
At the end of the day, video game music is way more than mere background noise. It helps define the experience, it makes worlds feel alive, and it connects players emotionally to the game.
Great soundtracks are one of the main reasons we remember games long after the screen goes dark.
