Arguably one of the most time transcendent of all things in this world is music; a natural weaving of emotional sounds and rhythms that, with the necessary artistic skill, can create masterpieces that will be remembered forever. Music can create hope, set the soul ablaze, or, in only the most influential pieces, shatter the heart –if only for a moment. Music is diverse, making it very easy to use in almost anything from entertainment to war (as it was in the older times), but it is in the form of technological entertainment that music can veritably direct the outcome upon its audience. Particularly in movies one can quite easily realize music’s importance. Without it, scenes are dry and often bland, with little affect on their viewers. This necessity of music seamlessly transfers into gaming as well. Witnessed earliest in series like Mario, Final Fantasy, and Zelda, it is simple to observe how important every melody is to set the stage, broaden the feeling of one’s surroundings, and highlight plot’s events. Precisely as in movies, music affects the player as he/she travels through immersive, natural lands and stories; without such tantalizing tunes, those elements are horribly misrepresented.

Great composers are few and far between, requiring a master’s ear and a newcomer’s imagination. Within this small populous of genius is yet an even smaller one: one that, by all odds and/or possibly fate, is involved in videogames. Within their minute numbers, these individuals create music so disproportioned to their underwhelming fame that they are launched high to meet that which they have created. They are launched into fame and recognition that is directly proportioned to their skill. Individuals like Nobuo Uematsu and Koji Kondo (who are some of the most critically acclaimed musicians in gaming) follow an unbeaten path of immortality among piers, leading to continuous, excellent immersion in games and audibly-cinematic presentations (or even concerts). The aid of these men in game series has created involving game play and beckoning cut scenes, and without their music, said games might have been nothing more than flashy visuals.

Music’s importance in ‘cinematics’ is evident. Further still, music’s belonging in game play is wonderful. Once again pointed out in series’ like The Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Final Fantasy, music develops locals into what they should be. When you take that first step onto the green fields of Hyrule, you are instantly met with a theme that inspires adventure and motivates the mind. You become part of that which has been (naturally it seems) created by imagination. Traveling to newer destinations unveils another fitting melody that organically forms a complex emotion that more than draws appropriate understanding of your surroundings. Some are pleasantly joyful, while others are lament and dark. With every new turn, a new experience, created by music, portrays events and personalities of the present and future within the game. At key moments (such as ‘boss battles’) music is heightened still. It is given an ecstatic flair that builds off the momentary importance in the player’s ability to strategize, or, in other categories of game, builds upon fear. As the scene intertwines into game play, the music continues to influence a feeling that you are playing a movie. All of this combined with a sense of self-defense, insures the intended immersion.

Without a doubt, many gamers and hobby-influenced musicians alike can confirm the necessary involvement of music in videogames. The past is full of further evidence to support such a statement and the future, I am sure, will be no different as long as multi-industry-spanning creators remain to pass on their influence, and musical geniuses continue to be born. Though music is presented in many forms of entertainment, its belonging in games is undeniable. Music will simply always be a piece of gaming.

- Veridical