Introduction
The history of video games is a fascinating journey that spans decades and encompasses countless innovations. One of the most significant milestones in this history was the introduction of music into video games. The integration of music into games not only added another layer of entertainment but also opened up new possibilities for game design and development. In this article, we will take a closer look at the early days of gaming and explore what was the first video game with music.
The Dawn of Video Game Music
Music has always been an integral part of human culture, and it’s no surprise that it eventually found its way into video games. However, the history of video game music is relatively short compared to other forms of media like film and television. The earliest form of video game music can be traced back to the 1960s when electronic music pioneers like Morton Subotnick began experimenting with creating music using computers.
One of the earliest examples of a video game that incorporated music is “OXO” or noughts and crosses, which was created in 1952 by Alexander S. Douglas at the University of Cambridge. Although not technically a video game, it was a program that allowed players to play a simple tic-tac-toe game on a black and white television screen. The game featured a simple melody played by a theremin, which added an extra layer of entertainment for the players.
Another early example of a video game with music is “Computer Space,” which was created in 1971 by Steve Russell at MIT. This space shooter game featured a pulsing electronic soundtrack that synchronized with the movement of the player’s ship, adding to the overall intensity and excitement of the game.
The First Dedicated Video Game Music Composer
While early video games did incorporate music, it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that dedicated composers began working on video game soundtracks. One of the earliest examples of a composer specifically hired to work on a video game was Robert Cummings, who composed the music for the 1980 game “Pac-Man.”
Cummings’ score for Pac-Man featured a catchy and memorable theme that became synonymous with the game. The use of music in Pac-Man not only added to the overall fun and entertainment but also helped to create a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the game. Cummings’ work on Pac-Man paved the way for other composers like Jerry Goldsmith, who composed the music for “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” and Richard Wagner, who worked on the soundtrack for “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
The Evolution of Video Game Music
As video games continued to evolve in the 1980s and beyond, so too did their use of music. The introduction of more sophisticated game engines and hardware allowed composers to create more complex and dynamic soundtracks that could adapt to the player’s actions and environments.
One of the most significant developments in video game music came with the release of “Final Fantasy VII” in 1997, which featured an unprecedented level of musical complexity and depth. The game’s score was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who used a combination of traditional orchestral instruments and synthesizers to create a rich and immersive soundscape that perfectly complemented the game’s story and setting.
The use of music in “Final Fantasy VII” not only helped to establish the genre as a major player in the video game industry but also set new standards for what could be achieved with video game music. Since then, composers have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with music in games, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and other genres into their scores.
