Study Video Game Music 

Listen to and analyze video game soundtracks from different genres and eras. Pay attention to how the music enhances gameplay and contributes to the overall atmosphere. You can find OSTs (Original Soundtracks) on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, or dedicated video game music websites.

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In the intricate tapestry of video game creation, one often overlooked yet profoundly impactful element is the music that accompanies gameplay. 

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Studying opens the door to a realm where melodies and harmonies serve as companions to the player's journey, shaping emotions, enhancing experiences, and immersing individuals into virtual worlds. Delve into the intricacies of composing, producing, and understanding video game music, shedding light on its role in storytelling, gameplay dynamics, and player engagement. 

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From the catchy chiptunes of iconic retro games like Super Mario Bros. and Tetris to the immersive orchestral scores of modern epics such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, video game music spans a wide spectrum of styles and genres, showcasing its dynamic and multifaceted nature, which merits in-depth exploration and analysis.

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Here are the top 10 video game theme songs identified by Oliver Tryon from CULTR

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1. The Legend of Zelda

2. Super Blackjack Battle II Turbo Edition

3. Super Mario Bros.

4. Main Theme – L.A. Noire

5. Tetris

6. The Last Of Us

7. Street Fighter II

8. Donkey Kong

9. Sonic the Hedgehog

10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

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From the jubilant melodies of Super Mario Bros. to the haunting ambiance of The Last of Us, each composition resonates with players on a profound level, stirring emotions and memories long after the controller is set down. These iconic tunes, with their ability to capture the essence of adventure, challenge, and triumph, serve as a testament to the artistry and impact of video game music in shaping our gaming experiences. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, these melodies endure as cherished companions, reminding us of the power of music to elevate our virtual journeys and forge lasting connections within the gaming community. These top rated video game theme songs explored represent more than just musical accompaniments to gameplay; they are timeless symbols of the immersive experiences that gaming offers. So now you know what made them popular, you can recreate that!

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However if you’re looking to really sit down and learn – here are some paid and free courses for studying video game music:

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Paid Courses

1. Game Music Composition: Make Music For Games From Scratch! (Udemy): This course covers the fundamentals of composing music for video games, including creating themes, adapting music to gameplay, and implementing sound effects. 

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2. Video Game Music Composition: Compose Background Music For Games (Udemy): This course focuses on composing background music specifically tailored for video games, covering topics such as looping, layering, and adaptive music techniques. 

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3. Complete Guide to Game Audio (LinkedIn Learning): This comprehensive course covers all aspects of game audio production, including sound design, music composition, and implementation using popular game engines. 

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4. Introduction to Game Audio (Coursera): Offered by Berklee College of Music, this course provides an overview of game audio production techniques, including sound design, music composition, and integration into game engines. 

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Free Courses

1. Introduction to Video Game Music (Coursera): This free course, offered by Michigan State University, explores the history, theory, and composition techniques of video game music, with a focus on both traditional and interactive music. 

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2. Game Audio For Beginners (YouTube): This series of video tutorials covers the basics of game audio production, including sound effects creation, music composition, and implementation using game engines.

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3. Introduction to Game Music (Open University): This free online course provides an introduction to the world of video game music, exploring its history, cultural significance, and compositional techniques. 

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4. Game Audio Essentials (YouTube): This series of video tutorials covers essential topics in game audio production, including sound design, music composition, and implementation using software like FMOD and Wwise. 

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These courses offer valuable insights and practical skills for anyone interested in studying video game music, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional looking to expand your knowledge.

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