The convergence of pop music and online gaming is rapidly evolving, carving a unique niche in the digital entertainment industry. It’s more than a chance combination; it’s a blend that’s breathing life into games, creating a richer, more engaging experience.
What’s the catalyst? The emotional pull and storytelling power of pop music. By integrating popular tunes into their games, developers are harnessing the universal language of music, amplifying its impact on the gaming journey. This fusion isn’t a mere stylistic tweak; it’s a game-changer, reshaping how games are crafted and played.
In this article, we take a look at this innovative trend, tracing its influence on game development and its significance in molding the gaming industry’s future.
The Influence and Appeal of Pop Music in the Gaming Industry
Pop music isn’t just a catchy tune on the radio anymore; it’s creating a rhythm in the heart of the gaming world. It doesn’t merely add a melody to the background but dives deep, saturating game narratives with emotional color and intensifying player engagement.
Imagine cruising in Grand Theft Auto. This game is no longer just about the high-speed missions. Instead, you’re tapping your fingers to the beat of pop hits from in-game radio stations, creating an extraordinary blend of gaming and music that amplifies the overall experience. The boundaries of this trend aren’t limited to action-packed games either; the fusion of pop and gaming extends its fingers into the world of online casinos, too.
The established platform PokerStars Casino, for example, hosts music-themed slot games from Guns N’ Roses and Jimi Hendrix to Motorhead, which are an ode to legendary rock and pop stars. They create an immersive gaming adventure that pulls at players’ heartstrings, tapping into their nostalgic past and the fandom of famous musicians.
But the dance of pop music and gaming doesn’t end there. Games like “Beat Saber” and “Just Dance” have turned the spotlight onto music, making it the star of their gameplay. They invite players to slash through beats or groove to hit songs, morphing a simple gaming concept into a dynamic, toe-tapping experience.
The influence of pop music in the gaming industry is not just growing but is playing the lead role in an exciting transformation. This beautiful duet of pop music and gaming elements strikes a captivating melody that resonates with a broad audience, showcasing the timeless charm of both the pulsating beats of pop music and the adrenaline rush of gaming.
The Impact of Scandipop on the Gaming Scene
Scandipop, a unique blend of electronic, pop and dance music, has become a signature of the Scandinavian music scene. Characterized by its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and high-quality production, it has found its home in the global pop industry. Recently, Scandipop has expanded beyond radio and streaming platforms and has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, particularly in games developed in or influenced by the Scandinavian region.
A prime example is the Swedish duo Elvira Björkman and Nicklas Hjertberg, known for their game soundtracks for Hammerwatch and Aragami, where they mixed inspiration from 1980s games and music by Japanese composers. They continued their influence on the gaming scene with their 2020 soundtrack for Metal: Hellsinger. Similarly, Danish composer Jesper Kyd teamed up with American composer Sarah Schachner and Norwegian music creator Einar Selvik to create a killer Viking-themed score for the game Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, mixing Celtic and Nordic tones with electronic and modern elements.
Beyond cinematic gaming scores, popular Scandipop songs have been used to enhance other gaming experiences. For instance, AGGi DiX’s song “Simmer” is recommended for games like Candy Crush, while STRØM’s “Last Try” fits well with intense online poker games. Zara Larsson’s song “Lush Life” is popular among multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) players, and Sigrid’s album “Don’t Kill My Vibe” is favored for games that require more time to think, like online chess. Swedish House Mafia’s songs, like “Don’t You Worry Child“, are featured in various games.
The Future of Music and Gaming
As games continue to evolve as entertainment and art, we can expect the collaboration between the music and gaming industries to deepen. In particular, the influence of Scandipop and other genres could continue to grow, shaping the sonic landscapes of games and enhancing player engagement.
