Original vs. Adapted Soundtracks: What Works Better in Games?

Music plays a crucial role in video games, significantly impacting the gaming experience. Whether it’s stirring emotions, adding to the immersion, or enhancing gameplay, the right soundtrack can elevate a game to iconic status. But one of the ongoing debates in the gaming industry is whether original or adapted soundtracks work better in games. This article will explore both sides, weighing their advantages and drawbacks, and ultimately seeking to determine which approach offers the most effective gaming experience.

Original Soundtracks: Crafting a Unique Identity

An original soundtrack (OST) is specifically composed for a game, created by a composer or a team of musicians with the intent of crafting music that perfectly aligns with the game’s world, narrative, and atmosphere. This unique music is designed to enhance the player’s experience by complementing the game’s visuals and story.

Advantages of Original Soundtracks

1. Immersion and Atmosphere
   Original music is specifically tailored to the game, ensuring that it fits seamlessly into the environment. Whether it’s the epic orchestral pieces of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or the haunting, minimalist tones of Inside, original soundtracks are crafted to evoke particular emotions that are tied directly to the game’s narrative and gameplay. The composer has full creative control to design music that fits the game’s tone, pacing, and action.
2. Enhanced Storytelling
   Original soundtracks can support and enhance the game’s story. For example, in Journey, composer Austin Wintory created a dynamic, emotionally charged score that evolved with the player’s progression, allowing the music to mirror the highs and lows of the protagonist’s journey. The seamless integration of music and storytelling can leave a lasting impact, helping players feel more connected to the game world.
3. Memorability
   Many original soundtracks become deeply associated with the games they belong to. Titles like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Halo have iconic themes that players recognize instantly. An original soundtrack can give a game a distinctive identity, making it stand out in the vast landscape of video games.
4. Creativity and Artistic Vision
   By commissioning a unique score, developers can push the boundaries of game music and create something never before heard in the medium. Original compositions allow composers to experiment with new sounds, instrumentation, and musical styles, offering players a fresh, innovative audio experience that might not be possible with pre-existing tracks.

Notable Examples of Original Soundtracks

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – The score, composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and others, perfectly captures the dark fantasy world of The Witcher 3, with its use of Slavic folk instruments, atmospheric music, and powerful themes that accompany Geralt’s journey.
• Hollow Knight – The music, composed by Christopher Larkin, is subtle yet powerful, reflecting the melancholic, mysterious atmosphere of the underground kingdom. Its delicate, ambient tracks bring a unique sense of place to the game.

Adapted Soundtracks: Drawing from Existing Music

An adapted soundtrack, on the other hand, uses pre-existing music, either from popular songs, classical pieces, or well-known soundtracks. These tracks are often used in games to set the mood, build atmosphere, or even invoke nostalgia for players. Read about the master of music in the Star Wars universe in the article about Jesse Harlin.

Advantages of Adapted Soundtracks

1. Nostalgia and Familiarity
   Using pre-existing music can invoke strong feelings of nostalgia in players, particularly when the tracks are associated with other media or real-life experiences. Games like Grand Theft Auto V, which features a wide range of classic rock, hip-hop, and pop hits, make use of familiar songs to create a feeling of immersion and nostalgia. Players are drawn into the game world not only by the gameplay but by the music that brings back memories of other times.
2. Established Emotional Connection
   Popular songs often come with their own set of emotions. For example, hearing a rock classic like Free Bird while speeding through the streets of Grand Theft Auto may bring a sense of rebellious freedom, while classical music in a game like Civilization VI can add an air of elegance and intellectual challenge. The pre-existing emotional connection players have with certain songs can deepen their connection to the game.
3. Cost-Effective and Efficient
   Using pre-existing music can save time and money. Licensing existing tracks is often quicker and cheaper than hiring a composer to create an original score. For smaller studios with limited budgets, this can be an efficient way to enhance a game’s atmosphere without needing to invest in the creation of an original soundtrack.
4. Cultural Relevance
   Adapted soundtracks can also help connect a game to real-world culture. For instance, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater used a soundtrack of punk rock and skateboarding anthems that fit perfectly with the game’s rebellious spirit and teenage audience. These tracks not only fit the gameplay but also helped the game tap into the culture of skateboarding and its associated music scene.

Notable Examples of Adapted Soundtracks

• Grand Theft Auto V – The game is known for its vast selection of radio stations that play everything from classic rock to electronic music. The inclusion of well-known songs creates an immersive world that feels alive with real-life culture.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series – The game features an adapted soundtrack that includes classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s, providing a nostalgic and energetic atmosphere that perfectly complements the humor and tone of the game.

Both original and adapted soundtracks have a significant role in the world of video games, and each approach offers distinct advantages. Original soundtracks allow for a more personalized, immersive, and unique musical experience tailored to the game’s world, while adapted soundtracks bring in cultural relevance, nostalgia, and familiar emotional cues. Ultimately, the choice depends on the type of game being developed and the intended emotional response. Whether it’s the innovative power of an original score or the nostalgic power of adapted tracks, great music will always be at the heart of a memorable gaming experience.

For more information on the impact and history of video game music, visit Wikipedia on video game music.