It seems like I've got a lot of catching up to do when I get back from my vacation. The other VGH guys have been rolling out updates and articles like their life depended on it, so in order to not look like a complete slacker, I've decided to write a little article on something I've been thinking about for the past couple of days, video game soundtracks.
Music is something I've always enjoyed. Whether it be listening to my iPod or playing the guitar, there's just something about music that has always fascinated me. Its no surprise then, that one aspect I love about games is their soundtrack. A great game soundtrack should be able to immerse the player, and transport them to an entirely new world. It should be able to evoke feelings and emotions from the player that wouldn't be possible with just graphics and dialogue. To put it short, its an essential piece of the puzzle, and most games would feel empty and lifeless without it.
Being such an important part of the game, you would think that the developers and composers would want to give the player as much access to this media as possible, whether it be through a download code or physical CD included with the game. However, it seems that soundtracks, for the most part, are being quietly overlooked. You have the occasional game like Red Dead Redemption that provides a download code for the soundtrack, but it seems like the only other way of obtaining the soundtrack would be to buy the special edition or collector's edition of the game, or buy it off iTunes, which means that I have to spend another $10 on an already $60 investment.
Personally, I feel that developers need to start providing players with a way to gain access to a game's soundtrack, free of charge, whether it be through an extra disc or a download code. Not only would this please the fans like myself, who love listening to game soundtracks, but it could also give other people a chance to listen, who otherwise would have overlooked the soundtrack and just seen it as another part of the game.
So, what do you guys think? Would you prefer that developers provide a copy of the game's soundtrack with the game, whether it be a physical disc or download code, or is it just a waste of the developer's time and should only be available to buy if someone really wants it. Please leave your thoughts below, I'm very interested to see how the rest of the gaming community feels about this issue and look forward to your comments.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Oh, Jacob! You don't need to post anything! We know your on Vacation.
But...lately games in the market have been releasing OST specially with their "Special Editions" but I think it would be great to have it especially if the game has a licensed soundtrack. (Fall out 3, Bioshock 1 & 2) so I am all up for it! There's nothing like jamming in the car with the windows down and having MadWorld OST playing in your car.
LOL The only ones posting is John and Lance so it's not really that much! but OST is a must especially for intense games like Alan Wake, and Gears oh and especially HALO.
Like Superdave513 said, game OST's come in "Special Editions" and that usually costs 10-20 bucks more than the original $60.00 that we normally have to pay. But in Red Dead Redemption's case, there was a pre-order bonus which includes a soundtrack. So, that is a pretty nice incentive to have people pre-order games and I would rather Pre-order rather than, paying an extra 20 bucks for a cheapy art book.
Jacob good job on the articles keep the floe going
I don't think they should necessarily be free, but I know subscribers of Nintendo Power got the Mario Galaxy soundtrack, so I just wish there were ways to make soundtracks more widely available to the masses.