No matter the experience, music can make it better, and online gaming is no exception. Having a well-curated playlist can be the difference between topping the leaderboard and getting tilted. Whether you are battling it out in a fast-paced FPS or contemplating your next move in a complicated MMO, the music you listen to can significantly impact your motivation, focus, and overall enjoyment.
The power of music in online gaming – Why does it matter?
Music can significantly influence one’s emotions, mental performance, and concentration. This is how music can impact your gaming experience in a big way:
- Reduce distractions and improve your focus – Upbeat songs with high tempos can improve concentration and alertness towards tasks, which would be required in games where you have to think quickly.
- Improve motivation and pump you up – The high-energy music with a driving rhythm would pump up the adrenaline, putting the gamer in the competitive mindset perfect for FPS games, racing games, or an intense battle royale.
- Create a thematic atmosphere – Music that helps to complement the game’s environment and genre helps you get drenched in it and makes you enjoy the gameplay even more.
Let’s now jump into specific genres of games and see what kind of playlist can be designed to match them perfectly.
Music playlist suggestions for different online game genres
- FPS or first-person shooters
FPS is a video game centered around gun fighting and other weapon-based combat seen from a first-person perspective. Players experience the action directly through the eyes of the main character. To play such games, you need high-energy tracks with driving beats and powerful vocals to keep you pumped and focused on the action.
Top songs for your playlist are Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, Zombie Nation’s Kernkraft 400, and Eminem’s Till I Collapse. You could also look for songs with powerful electronics and drums.
- MMOs or massively multiplayer online game
MMOs are online video games in which a player interacts with a large number of players.
You need high-energy music that isn’t too slow but melodic to keep your concentration for such long gaming sessions. Top songs for your playlist are The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, Scorpions’ Rock You Like a Hurricane, and Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin. You could throw in a few orchestral tracks or massive anthems during the boss fight.
- Competitive Bingo tournaments
Yes, casual games are truly making it big in the online gaming world, and one game that has cracked the eSports code is Bingo. Competitive Bingo tournaments are held regularly across platforms that demand your undivided attention to quickly identify Bingo patterns and win the tournament bounty.
To hold on to your spirits, you need happy, energetic, and upbeat songs that will help you focus during long gaming sessions. Think of songs like Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk or Chic’s Good Time.
- RTS or real-time strategy
RTS are games where players are required to make strategic decisions to win the match. You will have an army and would need to protect your base, along with making decisions on where to build houses, which weapons to use, which base to attack, when to defend, etc.
For real-time strategy games, you need motivating, upbeat tracks that will engage your mind for problem-solving and strategy. Examples of songs to include in your playlist are The Imperial March from Star Wars, The Glitch Mob’s Singularity, and Fleetwood Mac’s Baba Yetu.
You can also include classical pieces that help to improve concentration.
- Puzzle games and turn-based RPGs
These games stimulate the mind. While puzzles are great for improving your cognitive abilities, RPGs are perfect for those who love stories and exploring the open world. You need environmental and soothing music with a strong ambient background and gentle melodic elements that will help you concentrate and help when solving problems and making plans.
The top songs to include in your playlist are Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Marconi Union’s Weightless, or Edvard Grieg’s Morning Mood.
- Open-world games
Open-world games like The Witcher or Wild Hunt are virtual worlds where players can approach objects freely. You need calming ambient pieces to explore these worlds, as well as action-packed music when engaging in action.
If you enjoy open-world games, you can include Skyrim Atmosphere, which is the soundtrack from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Bon Iver’s Holocene and Dashboard Confessional’s Song for the Damaged Soul are also good options.
- Casual games
Casual games are perfect for passing your time, but today, these games have emerged as cash-winning games. For instance, there was a time when Ludo was played to overcome boredom and connect with friends. Today, you can play Ludo across online platforms and apps to participate in tournaments, compete against opponents, and win cash prizes.
So, you need to create a playlist that will not just make you happy but also help you stay focused and give you short bursts of energy. You can think of including chart-topping hits or indie pop that has catchy melodies, such as songs by Fleet Foxes or The Lumineers.
If you get easily distracted, use non-lyric songs.
Beyond genre: Personalizing your gaming playlist
Although it is good to have genre-specific recommendations, one should not forget that personal taste is the primary thing. Listen to various artists, genres, and tempos to find out what works best for you.
- Create a “Focus” playlist: This playlist should contain the music that keeps you focused and alert during highly intense gameplay.
- Create a “Relaxation” playlist: This playlist should contain calm and atmospheric music for unwinding in breaks or after a long session of gaming.
- Create a “Pump-Up” playlist: This playlist should contain high-energy music that gets you excited and ready to compete.
Tips for building the ultimate gaming playlist
- Use music streaming services: Platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music offer curated playlists and personalized recommendations to help you discover new music.
- Experiment with different genres: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore new musical styles.
- Pay attention to mood: Tweak your playlist according to your current mood and the degree of the game you are engaged in.
So, what are you waiting for? Get kicking! Creating the perfect playlist for your gaming sessions will take time, but you’ll get there. Best of luck!
