The Power of Live Gaming (With Some Music in the Background)
The Power of Live Gaming (With Some Music in the Background)
Streamers and live gaming have revolutionized how people experience gaming. Through dynamic and social interaction, the medium can connect with people on a wider level – from esports and competitive titles to MMOs, live casino tables, and RTS battles. But what if you could add another layer of excitement and engagement through music?
Table of contents
Music as an Essential Component of Gaming
Since the conception of video games, music has been an irreplaceable ingredient. In the beginning it was mere chiptunes (that some people are still nostalgic for), but the role of soundtracks has evolved so much that AAA titles now have arrangements worthy of blockbuster movies. When included seamlessly into the world and atmosphere, music can elevate the vibe by multitudes. However, the evolution of new genres allowed for new approaches and different blends of games and music.
Live gaming is especially suitable for musical enhancement as the right choice of music can make the session so much better. Imagine an intense battle on screen and the suspense building while an upbeat electronic track pumps up the tension. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, try picturing a high-stakes live poker game in which nice, smooth jazz music playing softly in the background creates a classy vibe.
However, in most cases, the key to getting this combination right is balance. If you’re streaming a game of Bitcoin live blackjack, the trick is to keep the mix on the lower side so you don’t overwhelm the interaction between players and the dealer. Many iGaming streamers, as well as traditional and esports gamers, make use of music carefully to match the pace and rhythm of the game. It might be tricky to get it right at first, but when this match is done right, it’s out of this world.
Live Gaming and the Enhanced Immersion
Even though some don’t notice it as much as others, music in live gaming is more than just background filler. It influences emotions, increases focus, and even affects decision-making while gaming. In the world of streaming, especially when playing more competitive games that don’t focus that much on soundtracks, gamers will add a layer of music to make their lives more engaging for the viewers. There are several key factors in which this helps with immersion:
- Boosting engagement: Energetic music played alongside action-packed games like shooters and battle royales can make them even more intense and keep the viewers locked in. Casual gamers will use chill vibes to help their subscribers relax and enjoy the cozy vibe.
- Setting the atmosphere: Single-player titles can be made better with the right audio undertone. Dark, ambient melodies can work wonders on horror games, similar to what orchestral scores do to make fantasy adventures more epic.
- Affecting performance: Studies suggest that certain types of music can improve concentration, as well as shape emotional responses and general mood. This is the reason why many competitive gamers have curated playlists that put them in “the zone” for their best performance.
Soundtracks that Cross Boundaries
It’s not uncommon for gamers to use soundtracks from certain games they are attached to while they play a completely different game. Many game OSTs are absolute masterpieces, and a lot of them are often put on as BGM on streams. Some of the best and most widely used are:
- DOOM (2016/Eternal) – Dynamic heavy metal soundtrack that reacts to the player’s behavior in the game and makes every fight feel exhilarating. Coincidentally, it makes other games exciting even without the dynamic adjustments.
- Final Fantasy (game series) – Arguably the most famous JRPG series also has some of the best soundtracks in the world of gaming, many of them composed by the Beethoven of game OSTs, the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. Fans worldwide use these soundtracks to relax and enhance their gaming experience.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – One of the best open-world titles of all time, Witcher combines calm ambientals with intense folk melodies that can make fights tenfold more exciting, and enhance gaming with a certain Slavic charm rarely heard in the world of AAA gaming.
- Nier: Automata – Soundtracks like this are unique gems, just like the game it was composed for. A strange combination of melancholic songs and futuristic beats, this collection of music hits the nostalgic spots that come as a perfect background for late night gaming sessions.
Many streamers on the web have mastered the art of using music to make their sessions even better. Some, like StreamBeats, even make their own music and upload it on the web, copyright-free, for other streamers to use in their videos.
How to Match Beats in Live Gaming
One can easily get carried away with music where in some cases it needs to be used carefully and with good measure. There are certain scenarios in which you don’t want to elevate the beat too much, especially if you’re playing live casino games. A game of poker will want a smoother blend of music with the game itself, to keep the focus on the cards and the interaction between players. The key is knowing how to “match beat” as the DJs do it, and connect the vibe of the game with the feel of the music. Some of the best practices to do so include:
- Keep energy levels aligned: High-tempo music is good for action games, and ambient soundscapes work great for strategies. Explore to figure out how to connect genres.
- Ensure clear communication: Games that include a voice chat or live commentary need to have music lower in the mix in order to prevent interference.
- Avoid copyright issues: This is one big issue, especially for streamers who are looking to monetize their sessions. The best way to avoid this problem is to use royalty-free tracks available around the web or to license the music played while live. If not handled right, copyrighted music can prevent you from earning through your streams or even lead to content takedowns.
Final Thoughts
Music has the incredible power to transform any human experience, and live gaming is no stranger to that. The right song can make everything more exciting and immersive for you both as a streamer and as a viewer. With the right tunes on air, you can get the energy pumping for a multiplayer battle, hyping up both yourself and your teammates; you can enhance an iGaming session with a subtle layer of smooth music, or get your speedrun pumped up with some epic harmonies. For music fans, mixing games and melodies is an exciting way to explore both of their worlds at the same time.
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