Background music has been in existence since the first video games came into being. Along with high-definition graphics and innovative game features, music makes games more immersive.
Experts claim that background music in video games makes players feel like they are a part of the game they are playing, which helps them focus and achieve better results. Apart from this science-backed data, any gamer will tell you that it’s simply more fun to play a game that features exciting music matching the gameplay, and that they would feel weird if there weren’t any music at all.
This applies to all types of games, and we’re about to look at some specific examples to see how influential background music really is.
Social Games With Simple Gameplay
The internet became flooded with social games such as various free online bingo and slot titles in recent years. If we look at the gameplay of both bingo and slots, we can see that there’s not much one can do to influence the game’s outcome.
The gameplay is pretty straightforward, and your only job is to select the desired title and wait for it to evolve either according to or against your expectations. Yet, even though there’s no logical reason to play this type of game for longer than an hour or two, so many people are highly entertained by them and regularly ask for more. But why?
The answer lies in these games’ audio-visual characteristics, as most people are compelled by the attractive graphics and, as you can guess, upbeat background music. Take, for example, the Vegas Downtown Slots app and choose a slot title based on a popular movie with an original soundtrack you adore. Wouldn’t you play the game a bit longer than intended?
Strategy Games
Music is even more important when it comes to games that depend on action and strategy. Once again, scientists are positive that music affects our brain and improves cognitive function. Consequently, the right sounds can impact overall performance and lead players to better decisions.
Players who spend a lot of their time on popular card games such as Poker Heat believe that background music is vital for making smarter moves. Now, bear in mind that the kind of music behind this game type and simple social games must differ and follow the flow of the gameplay.
In strategy games, music shouldn’t be too mesmerising as it might distract the players. On the contrary, it should include the kind of melody that makes you feel relaxed and alert at the same time.
First-Person Games
Even though free slots, poker, and other social games have been booming, they are not the best examples of the importance of background music in online gaming. If you have played any popular first-person shooter games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive , you know what we’re talking about.
These games wouldn’t become so famous if they weren’t created in such a realistic way. To make that happen, the developers hired a team of experts to take care of background music and make every sound relevant. For instance, each gun has its respective sound, and you can even hear your enemies footsteps as they approach.
Finally, background music in all the games mentioned above, as well as many others can have a motivational effect and push our limits while it slowly builds suspense as we play. In this way, we’re motivated to keep going and not give up until we accomplish our goal within the game.