Music for Games: Does it increase sales?

We all love to play a video game or two. Whether it’s a mobile game app, on a console, or an Internet application, video games play a major role in entertaining the human mind.  In 2015 alone, the gaming industry brought in over $5 billion in revenue from video game sales. There is constant growth online and in console sales. What is attracting gamers to not only purchase these games, but become addicted to the video game? Maybe it is the killer graphics? Maybe it is the plot or story? Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush to beat a certain level? Maybe it’s in the music?

How does music for games influence the player?

Music has the power to make a memorable impact. Sound in itself has the ability to bring about emotion, a pass memory, and/or energize an individual.  The more someone plays a video game, the more the sounds, graphics, and story resonates in the individuals thought process. Music for games also increases play time. Gamers often enjoy nice tunes that are familiar and sound good to them. Some continue to play the video game to see what song is going to come next, having the similarity of a music playlist. After repeated play, gamers may begin to slightly experience what is known as the Game Transfer Phenomena (GTP). This happens when video game experiences transfer into reality.  The more the game is played; more symptoms of GTP may become present. Some examples of this may be that you begin to hear the sound of explosions from the war scene in Call of Duty while walking down the street or think that you can use a sling shot to get to the grocery store like in Angry Bird’s. Ok, the latter may mean you have truly become addicted to Angry Birds, but the GTP experience could happen. According to a recent study on Game Transfer Phenomena conducted by Nottingham Trent University, Gamers have reported sounds from video games such as explosions, screams, whisperings, and music being heard long after the gamers has finished playing. Not only do the graphics and plot matter, but music for games adds an experience that the gamer subconsciously remember. This then becomes a powerful tool for game developers who want to make a lasting impression that creates a viral experience.

How does music for video games convert into more sales?

Great experiences equal loyalty and loyalty equals sales. Music creates and enhances emotions in the gamer that gives them memorable experiences. This one tool helps the gamer enjoy playing with the killer graphics and finding new ways to conquer the challenging level. When you combine an awesome plot, the best graphics, easy usability, and music, you have the recipe for a best selling game (When you market the game of course.)

This is how many sequel video game franchises are created. They create many memorable experiences for the gamer. The goal for creating any video game is to get the player hooked or even addicted the video game. Make the player relate to the game so much that they must have more. Many gaming companies aim for this goal by creating more realistic graphics, a more heartfelt storyline, and music that is catchy and familiar.  By completing these goals a gamer can then be converted into a fan. And when you create fans, you create brand loyalty.Music for games is apart of the experience to turn that one time gamer into a long term customer.