Off licence

This use of CD audio inevitably leads to the inclusion of 'proper' licensed tracks, something which receives mixed reactions from gamers. Music from the 8bit era was liked and loved by everyone across the board, but pop music, in contrast, is extremely subjective. If you buy Gran Turismo and don't particularly like any of the licensed bands, you're never likely to have the volume set above zero.

This change of media is ultimately reflected in the quality of the music - when was the last time you found yourself humming a game soundtrack in the queue at Safeways? It happens, but it's rare.

Speech is another factor. In days when quality samples weren't feasible, music and sound effects provided the audio content. The advent of better technology and storage space meant that using speech was no longer a problem. With three elements required to deliver the aural experience, this meant more work for the musician, so it's easy to see why soundtracks might have suffered. Everyone can recall the quips and one-liners from Duke Nukem. Whistling the title tune is another matter.


Name that tune

So why aren't recent tunes as memorable as those from times gone by? With more music developed in tandem with the games (by in-house musicians rather than freelancers), there's a definite synergy between game and soundtrack which never really existed before. This makes it difficult to separate the music from its setting and enjoy it as a standalone piece.

Another reason is that we've undergone a substantial culture shift - the mainstream music we listen to is very different, and videogames aren't the same vehicle for soundtracks that they once were. They're an entertainment medium in their own right, and consumers want music which is more realistic, accomplished, and has a broader appeal.

It's important to consider that the generation nurtured on 8 and 16bit music had young, receptive, impressionable minds. Such radically different tunes were bound to sink in. Maybe we're just getting older, and future generations will be just as nostalgic of '90s music. Maybe.