Video gaming and music have been evolving simultaneously over the years. With advancements in technology, gaming has not only improved in terms of graphics and gameplay, but also its soundtracks have become a key component to enhance the gaming experience. Music, on the other hand, has had a significant impact on gaming, especially in the case of licensed soundtracks in games. The relationship between gaming and music has been so significant that it has affected the way the music industry monetizes and markets its products.
Music in gaming has become more than just a background soundtrack. It has become a core component that drives the storytelling and the overall appeal of the game. It is now common for games to feature original soundtracks composed by renowned musicians from around the world, which enhances the immersive experience of the game. The use of music in games has helped the music industry expand its fan base, and it has also opened up new revenue streams.
The use of licensed music in gaming has also benefitted the music industry. Gaming companies pay a licensing fee to use popular music hits in their games, which only serves to benefit artists. For instance, in 2015, Activision, the publisher of the popular “Call of Duty” franchise, paid $42 million to use The Rolling Stones’ hit song “Paint it Black” in their game “Call of Duty: Black Ops III.” This showcased the potential earnings for artists and the music industry in licensing music to the gaming industry.
In addition to licensing fees, music marketing has also had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Gaming companies have capitalized on marketing music by creating exclusive soundtracks for pre-order and special editions of the video game. These marketing strategies attract music fans to purchase video games, which creates a win-win situation for both industries.
However, the impact of gaming on the music industry has not been without its challenges. Despite the potential revenue streams, the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has created a new set of challenges. Streaming platforms have perpetuated a decline in music sales, which is alarming for the music industry. This is because gaming companies prefer to use music from Spotify and Apple Music rather than buying licenses from individual artists. This model has resulted in an increase in advertising and promotions, which has led to music becoming just a commodity in games.
In conclusion, video gaming has had a significant impact on the music industry, and it has created new opportunities for both industries. Gaming has become an integral part of music marketing and promotion, and it has also provided a new revenue stream for artists and labels. The relationship between gaming and music has opened up doors for cross-promotion, and it has helped the music industry reach new audiences. The two industries are intertwined and will continue to be, but there is a need for a balance between game soundtracks and the use of the music for promotions.
