Real music and video game music are two distinct forms of musical expression, each with its own unique characteristics and functions.
Composition and Performance of Real Music:
Real music composition involves a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and melody. Skilled musicians use this knowledge to create a piece of music that expresses an emotion or tells a story. The performance of real music often requires human musicians playing traditional instruments such as guitars, drums, and violins. The emotional impact of real music is derived from the nuanced expression and interpretation of the performers.
Composition and Performance of Video Game Music:
Video game music composition involves the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create music that enhances the gaming experience. The music in video games is often designed to evoke specific emotions and set the mood of a scene. Professional composers with specialized knowledge of game design and composition, as well as an understanding of how music can be used to influence player behavior, are involved in this process. Video game music may also use pre-existing music that has been licensed from other sources, such as classical compositions or pop songs.
Real Music vs Video Game Music: A Debate
The debate over whether video game music can be considered real music has been ongoing for years. Some argue that it is not real music because it is not composed by human musicians playing traditional instruments. Others argue that it is not real music because it is a product of technology, rather than human creativity. However, many experts in the field of video game design believe that video game music can be just as powerful and emotional as traditional music. For example, composer Richard Devine, who has worked on games such as Uncharted and God of War, believes that video game music can be an essential part of the gaming experience.
Real-Life Examples of Video Game Music
There are many examples of video game music that have stood the test of time and have become iconic pieces of popular culture. For example, the theme song for Super Mario Bros. is considered one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time and has been remixed and covered countless times. The same can be said for the music from games such as Final Fantasy, Tetris, and The Legend of Zelda. The power of video game music to evoke emotions in players is evident in many other ways as well.
Expert Opinions: The Importance of Video Game Music
Many experts in the field of video game design believe that video game music is an essential part of the gaming experience. For example, composer Richard Devine believes that video game music can be just as powerful and emotional as traditional music. “Music has the power to evoke emotions in players that traditional music cannot,” says Devine. “It’s an important part of the gaming experience and can make a huge difference in how players feel about a game.”
Case Study: The Effect of Music on Player Emotions
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Sussex found that listening to music while playing a video game can have a significant impact on player emotions. The study found that players who listened to upbeat music while playing were more likely to feel positive emotions such as excitement and happiness, while those who listened to slower, more melancholic music were more likely to feel negative emotions such as sadness or frustration. This highlights the importance of video game music in creating an immersive and emotional gaming experience.
Conclusion: Video Game Music is Real Music
In conclusion, it is clear that video game music can be considered real music. While it may not involve human musicians playing traditional instruments, it requires a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and melody to create a piece of music that enhances the gaming experience. The power of video game music to evoke emotions in players is evident in many ways, from its ability to set the mood of a scene to its impact on player emotions. Therefore, video game music should not be dismissed as a lesser form of musical expression.
