The Science And Emotion Of Game Soundtracks
3 min read
Whether you’re soaring through fantasy worlds or racing down neon-lit tracks, the music in your favourite video game is doing more than just masking the silence. Of course, it builds tension, but did you know that it can also trigger memories and even improve how you play? If you’re a gaming music fan, read on to discover a few things about the powerful role that it plays – from the psychological impact through to its growing cultural impact in the UK.
How music drives emotion and focus in gameplay
Think back to the suspenseful strings as you tiptoe through a stealth mission or the soaring brass that plays when you win. Now think about how you felt. These musical cues guided your emotional state and cognitive focus. Game developers are experts at using adaptive music – experimenting with and changing tempos, intensities, and layers – to match the action (or intended action) onscreen. This is why you’ll feel fully immersed, and in the flow when playing a game – music in games has been shown to improve concentration and helps with task performance by priming the brain to focus in certain ways.
Memory and nostalgia: Why that retro jingle still lives in your head
Music in games isn’t just about what’s going on right now – it shapes your memory too. Many players report experiencing an aspect of Game Transfer Phenomena where they hear iconic tunes long after they’ve played a game. Catchy loops and retro melodies create nostalgia, enhancing replayability. This is why you’ll find yourself humming an old game tune out of the blue. It’s also why branded soundtracks in top slot games use recognisable jingles to keep you interested and fully engaged in the spins.
Gaming soundtracks go mainstream in the UK
March 2025 marked a real milestone for the gaming community: the first-ever ‘London Soundtrack Festival’ placed game composers alongside the giants of film and TV. It’s a shift that signals growing recognition of the artistry that goes into creating game music. UK gamers and musicians alike are celebrating these evolving soundscapes, validating gaming as not just play but a cultural force.
How gaming music reduces stress
Don’t just think of game music as simple entertainment. It can support your mental health too. Research shows that games using rhythmic or music-based training can reduce anxiety in young people. Flow states induced by music enhance self-efficacy and encourage positive focus, making certain games genuinely therapeutic.
The gaming soundtrack is doing more than you think
Music in gaming is no background noise. Think of it a crafted emotional arc, a trigger for memory, and now a recognised cultural art form. Gaming soundtrack shape both your experience and your mind.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
