Is Gaming Now One of the Best Places for Composers to Get Recognized?
For composers who want to hit the big time in the modern entertainment era, it could be argued that the best way to do so is to spread between different forms of entertainment. Many people aspire to write scores for hit movies, but sometimes it’s a case of starting off with smaller projects to get recognized.
Some of the most lauded composers of modern times have proven that they can transfer their talents between different mediums. Indeed, a lot of the top names in the television sphere are also prevalent in the gaming industry.
Good Music Can Set Games Apart From the Competition
The musical score has always been a key aspect of the cinema industry, so much so that there are prestigious accolades related to it. Over the last few decades, television has adopted many cinematic qualities too, meaning that the music that accompanies the visuals has to be excellent. Now, this dedication to providing viewers with a multisensory experience has spilled over into gaming as well.
In console gaming, music is incredibly important as it sets the scene and tone of the title. Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, and Bioshock 2 are all examples of games that have gained almost as many plaudits for their soundtracks as they have for their gameplay and stories. Mobile game and online slot developers are now taking inspiration from this and realizing that having great music can set them apart from the competition.
Some of the best soundtracks in mobile games can be found in titles like Lost Echo, SpaceChem, and Monument Valley. A few online casino real money slots that stand out for their great soundtracks include Empress Wu and Goblins: Gluttony of Gems. It’s clear that these titles are taking more inspiration from the console industry these days, with unique themes and gameplay adding to the engaging soundtracks.
Some Great Composers Have Crossed Over
There are countless big-name composers that have crossed between television and games. This highlights how once you’ve made a name for yourself in one offshoot of entertainment, you can get recognized in others. One of the best-known names in the entertainment industry is Bear McCreary, who has worked on games like God of War and Call of Duty: Black Ops III. Many people will know him from Battlestar Galactica and The Walking Dead.
Another top musician to span various branches of entertainment is Austin Wintory. He gained mass attention for his award-winning soundtrack for Journey. He has also worked on the dystopian television series, Black Mirror. More recently, Gustavo Santaolalla was brought into create the score for HBO’s The Last of Us. The Argentine composer wrote the music for the Naughty Dog games and was able to bring that style to the television in the hit series.
There are various pathways for musicians to gain fame in the modern age, with social media providing an excellent outlet. For composers who want to write scores, it’s important to experiment with the different offshoots of entertainment. Working on small game projects first could act as a stepping stone towards bigger things later on.
