Ask the average gamer what makes playing games fun, and they’ll probably respond with something related to being totally immersed in a fantasy world where they’re the protagonist and calling the shots. What they might not talk about is the music and audio sounds that play in the background of the games, which often don’t get the attention that a game’s graphics and storyline do. However, many games we play wouldn’t be the same without music. That’s because music helps pull you into a game and adds to its realism. Good audio design makes you feel like you’re part of the world you’re exploring that’s being projected on your TV or computer screen. In this article, we look at why music and audio are two of the most important elements contributing to the immersiveness of video games.
Creating a Believable Environment
The music playing in the background as you make your way through a game is what makes you feel like you’re actually in the game world you’re exploring. Music takes us out of our everyday routines and places us in the middle of the action on the screen, helping to bridge the gap between reality and the game’s universe. Online casino is one example of how this concept. When you log onto a virtual casino platform, the music sets the mood for the games you’re about to play. If you choose to play slots, the jingle of coins and the whir of the spinning reels are designed to make you feel like you’re in a land-based casino. That’s because music is an important part of how slot machines work, along with the random number generator, and if you’re playing online, it is a programmed library of games.
Music works similarly in other gaming genres, providing subtle audio clues that make players feel like they’re part of the game. If you’ve ever played a game like “The Witcher 3” or “Read Dead Redemption,” you’re familiar with this feeling. These games drop players off in realistic settings that are complemented by environmental soundscapes that perfectly match what’s happening on the screen. Whether it’s rustling leaves or a wolf howling in the background, these games are examples of how audio can help turn images on a screen into a believable game world.
Emotional Impact of Music and Audio
When you feel fear while playing a horror video game, that game’s music has a big role in that; the same goes for sadness and excitement. Music is what gives a game’s narrative emotion, making you feel completely immersed in the game you’re playing. Some video games, like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Final Fantasy,” have become synonymous with their soundtracks, bringing out deep emotions in players as they explore these games’ worlds. If you’ve played these titles, you recognize these iconic scores, even outside of the context of the games.
Some games have dynamic soundtracks that adapt based on in-game actions, creating another layer of immersion by responding to the player’s environment and the decisions they make. For example, in “Journey,” the game changes tracks based on the player’s progression, telling an emotional story like in a good anime as they explore its world. Adaptive soundtracks make the audio experience as enjoyable and engaging as the gameplay, pulling players further into the game world than would be possible without it.
Audio as Feedback Mechanism
Audio does more than just accompany you on your journey through a game’s world; it also serves as an important feedback mechanism as you play. A game’s sound effects give you immediate feedback on your actions. For example, a pleasant chime signals you’ve received a reward when you pick up an item, while a jarring sound lets you know that an enemy is approaching. Auditory feedback like this helps you get to know the game’s environment and can also be used to instruct you on where to go and let you know when an important event is about to take place. For example, in “Overwatch,” each hero’s abilities are accompanied by distinct sound effects that allow players to react quickly in fast-paced scenarios. These audio signals not only help the player know what’s happening — like where an enemy might be lurking — but they also add to an immersive experience of the game world.