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Music has long been considered a universal language, able to break down cultural barriers and bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures. The gaming industry has a similar potential. In fact, the relationship between them dates back to the iconic Super Mario melodies.
The relationship between gaming and music has evolved as the world has. They intersect in a variety of innovative ways that go beyond a simple theme tune, but their ability to capture audiences through this immersive relationship remains unchanged.
Virtual concerts by popular artists Marshmellow, and Travis Scott were a great example of the evolving relationship. These virtual events attracted global attention in the same way that Super Bowl halftime shows do. Over 10 million people attended Marshmellow’s concert, and over 27,7 million players participated in Travis Scott’s event.
This massive engagement shows not only the evolution of music-gaming interactions, but also how gaming has a profound influence on music consumption. Let’s look at how gaming and music are connected in India.
NODWIN Gaming – a leader in gaming and new-age entertainment for youth – brought gamification into its popular music festival NH7 Weekender. This was one of the most innovative ways that music and gaming have come together in India. The line-up was revealed by an interactive game in which users explored a virtual NH7 location and collected coins to reveal the performing artists.
NODWIN Gaming also has a history of combining music and esports. They collaborated with artists Seedhe Mahut and Sez on The Beat to create an anthem, ‘NHK’, for Valorant Conquerors Championships (VCC), which showcased top Valorant athletes from South Asia. A second notable example was the Android Carnival they organized during the Battlegrounds Mobile India Master Series Season 3 grand finale. The event featured a live performance from renowned musician Garv Tahneja, otherwise known as Chaar diwaari.
Akshat Rathee said, “Music is a crucial part of gaming and esports. It enhances the experience.” Music can be a powerful tool for players and audience alike. Virtual concerts by artists such as Travis Scott and Ariana Grand in games such as Fortnite also blew the world away. “Games like FIFA also seamlessly integrate music into their gameplay. They create soundtracks that connect fans around the world.”
Music creates an immersive environment for gamers, whether they are playing casually or competing in tournaments. As a youth entertainment-focused company, NODWIN Gaming recognizes the intrinsic significance of music in gaming and is committed to creating experiences that merge the two, maximising the timeshare of mindshare for our audiences,” he added.
Music is a vital part of gaming, as it enhances focus, builds excitement and creates a more immersive experience. Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends Fall Pulse Survey found that gen Z gamers are very fond of music. The survey revealed that 42% Gen Z gamers listens to music other than their own while gaming. And 34% hear the music in a game, then search for it online to purchase or stream.
Naman Mathur is the co-founder of S8UL – India’s largest gaming and esports content organization. He says that music has been an integral part of nearly every gamer’s journey. Music has always made me feel more involved in my experience, whether it’s getting pumped up before intense matches or connecting to my community during live streams. Gamers love the familiarity and excitement of the music tracks that accompany each game. Alan Walker and other singers have worked with us before, highlighting the shared connection between gamers and music.
In-game soundtracks for iconic games like Grand Theft Auto or FIFA are so ingrained into popular culture that a single note can instantly remind fans of the title. Music can enhance the experience of players, intensify emotions and enhance storytelling.
SuperGaming is a leading Indian video game developer that understands the interplay between these two elements. Indus Battle Royale is a game that was inspired by Indian culture. It incorporates Indo-futuristic sound into the gameplay to create a futuristic but culturally rooted experience.
“A carefully crafted sound track is behind every memorable gaming moment. It intensifies the experience. The Indo-futuristic Soundscape that we have created enhances not only the visuals and interactive elements but also the overall player experience. It creates a mood that draws players into Virlok, making their experience more vivid and memorable.
Music remains at the heart of gaming, as it continues to expand in terms of its cultural impact and reach. This powerful symphony will continue to fascinate audiences in the future, whether through collaborations, interactive experiences or game soundtracks.
