What makes a good video game soundtrack?

As a long-time video game enthusiast who has played hundreds of games in my lifetime, I believe I know what it takes to make a game stand out and be worth playing. Amongst engaging storylines, breathtaking graphic effects, and the ability to replay it several times, a fitting soundtrack gives a game that final touch to set it apart from others. So, what does a good video game soundtrack need to have?

The music a game showcases should add to the effect of playing the game by making the players feel like they are actually in the scene they are playing. Instantly what springs to mind are action games such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and the Halo franchise. These themes often become synonymous with the game itself. For games such as these, the music should contribute to and complement the game’s world and atmosphere, matching the mood of each individual scene. Missions that involve fast-paced shooting and continuous movement should employ more upbeat, grand sweeping melodies whereas a problem-solving, more cognitive mission should have a slower, relaxed soundtrack to match the gameplay.

A video game soundtrack, as well as immersing the player into the game, should be iconic and recognisable

A game that I believe does this to a ‘T’ is Destiny 2. Destiny 2′s extensive 50+ song soundtrack composed by Michael Salvatori and Skye Lewin is commended by the fanbase for complementing the gameplay extremely accurately, without being generic and unoriginal. The use of the darkness theme throughout the entire soundtrack is done elegantly, and matches the lore progressions of the game, using old motifs and deep bases. The soundtrack blends the use of orchestra and synthetic sounds, creating memorable sonic landscapes that are contrasting, yet have endless synergy. Tracks like The First Disciple and Deep Stone Lullaby are highlights, known for expanding the experience of playing Destiny 2 and showcasing the commitment of developers at Bungie Inc. towards making the game as memorable as possible.

As well as immersing the player into the game, a video game soundtrack should be iconic and recognisable. Consider tracks composed by Nintendo, such as those from Super Mario and those played in the Mii Channel. These soundtracks contain the memorable themes that we all love and which play up to nostalgia by creating emotional resonance. The first Super Mario game, Super Mario Bros (1985), gave us the iconic Overworld Theme which to date is one of the most recognisable pieces of video game music ever created. The catchy melody and lively tempo set the tone for the incoming multi-billion-dollar franchise. This soundtrack laid the foundation for video game music and cannot be labelled as anything other than pioneering, proving that a video game’s soundtrack is as integral to the success of the game as the gameplay itself.

The Wii caused a landslide in the gaming community, providing millions of hours of endless fun. It also gave us the timeless Mii Channel theme. The Mii music developed rapidly into a musical masterpiece, with it becoming a viral meme track, being featured in freestyle raps, remixes, and the iconic 10-hour version on YouTube with nearly 30 million views. Its infectious sound cements itself as a model of what video game music should entail: the ability to never leave peoples’ brains. Its smooth, relaxing tones turn it into perfect background music, whether you’re chatting in the living room or trying to revise for an exam.

An honourable mention of a soundtrack that personally influenced my attentiveness to video game music is the forever iconic Minecraft OST. Composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, more commonly known as ‘C418,’ has been praised for its ambient, minimalistic, and tranquil qualities. Each track has a distinctive mood and melody, ranging from peaceful and serene to melancholic. The soundtrack is a masterclass in setting the right mood for the player, effortlessly connecting them to the gameplay. It is no wonder the Minecraft soundtrack has generated hundreds of millions of streams and is beloved by many gamers.

In my experience, the developers who put more effort into the soundtrack often end up creating more successful and interesting video games. For some games the soundtrack has been a critical factor in their prosperity, making them classics that will be loved forever. Being able to listen to these tracks even when not playing the game sets these games apart from those that have limited external listening appeal.