Video Game Music
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Music.
Latest coverage
Video game music, orchestral performances, and the sheer joy of a communal experience: how live concerts are helping us reconnect with gaming's good side
Live orchestral concerts celebrating video game music are experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting diverse and passionate audiences. These events, featuring composers like Borislav Slavov and Shoji Meguro, foster a strong sense of community and highlight the artistic merit of game soundtracks, offering a unique human-centric experience in contrast to AI-generated content.
The best Los Angeles events for the week of August 17 - August 23 — MP3s & NPCs
This article highlights notable events happening in Los Angeles from August 17 to August 23. Events include a video game music night at Moroccan Lounge, Mt. Joy's anniversary tour at the Greek Theatre, improv comedy shows at UCB Theatre, and a sketch comedy performance by Friendo at The Pack Theater.
Where's the weirdest place you've heard videogame music?
This article discusses the surprising and often jarring experiences of hearing videogame music in unexpected real-world settings, such as television shows and local pubs. The author shares personal anecdotes, including hearing music from The Sims 2 and L.A. Noire, and invites readers to share their own unusual encounters with game soundtracks outside of the gaming sphere.
Evening Reading - August 14, 2026
This week's gaming news roundup includes updates on Total War: Warhammer 3, a review of Madden NFL 27, and the opening of 2K's Small Axe Studios. Compulsion Games has removed Xbox as the publisher for South of Midnight on Steam, while Kingdom Hearts 4 is slated for a late 2027 release with an animated series coming to Disney+. The article also highlights new features for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch and mentions upcoming content for Modern Warfare 4.
Evening Reading - August 7, 2026
This Friday Evening Reading roundup covers various gaming news, including reviews for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the Razer Soma Chroma gaming chair. Take-Two Interactive reported unprecedented pre-order demand for Grand Theft Auto 6, while Bandai Namco announced record Q1 FY27 sales. The article also touches on PC issues with Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, new Shackmaps, and upcoming game releases like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
Doom 2016 Composer Mick Gordon Is Performing the Game's Soundtrack at a Music Festival for the Very First Time
Mick Gordon, the composer of the Doom (2016) soundtrack, will perform the game's music live at a music festival for the first time. He will also be bringing the 'Doom Machine' with him for the event.
Trent Reznor on Doom: 'In some ways I felt a parallel with what I was trying to do with music'
Trent Reznor, composer for the original Quake, drew parallels between his music and the groundbreaking nature of Doom. He discussed his initial fascination with Wolfenstein 3D and how Doom's technological advancements and creative freedom resonated with his own artistic expression. Reznor expressed pride in his work on Quake and its enduring legacy.
Overwatch and World of Warcraft composer Adam Burgess departs Blizzard after 11 years
Adam Burgess, a composer for Blizzard Entertainment's games including Diablo, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft, has announced his departure after more than 11 years. Burgess led the music team for Overwatch and Overwatch 2 and expressed gratitude for his creative career at the company.
Star Wars, Metal Gear, and Halo composer Kazuma Jinnouchi confirmed as lead composer for Guild Wars 3
ArenaNet has announced Kazuma Jinnouchi, known for his work on Star Wars, Metal Gear, and Halo, as the lead composer for Guild Wars 3. A video detailing the creation of the game's main theme, featuring Jinnouchi and other composers like Asuka Ito and Maclaine Diemer, was also released.
For Doom Composer Mick Gordon, Every Soundtrack Is Waiting To Be Discovered
Composer Mick Gordon, known for his work on Doom and Doom Eternal, discusses his approach to creating video game soundtracks, likening it to archeological excavation. He emphasizes the fans' role in the longevity of his music and mentions upcoming projects like the cyberpunk FPS Defect.
For The First Time, Doom And Its Composer Will Melt Faces In Real Life
Composer Mick Gordon will perform the Doom soundtrack live with a band and orchestra for the first time at the UK's Radar Festival. This marks his first full-length concert featuring the iconic music from Doom and Doom Eternal. Gordon hopes this event will encourage more collaborations between game music and live festivals.
‘It’s like your mom reading you an old story’: Guild Wars 3 reveals composers and main music theme
ArenaNet has revealed the composers for Guild Wars 3, with BAFTA Games Awards nominee Kazuma Jinnouchi serving as lead composer. He will be joined by Asuka Ito and longtime Guild Wars 2 composer Maclaine Diemer. A new video showcases the game's main theme, emphasizing a warm and comforting musical style.
Weekend Discussion - July 26, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from Shacknews covers various topics including potential remakes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a desire for more original Xbox titles, and the introduction of new handheld gaming devices. It also features discussions on Halo maps, music, and updates on games like Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and Street Fighter 6.
How do you feel about AI videogame music?
This opinion piece discusses the increasing integration of generative AI in game development, particularly concerning video game music. The author expresses strong opposition to AI-generated music, arguing it diminishes human creativity and composer intent. The article questions whether players would notice or care about AI music and highlights concerns about AI flooding platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
SEGA president: “SEGA’s music is truly amazing” and few companies can compete
SEGA president Shuji Utsumi stated in a Famitsu interview that SEGA's music is exceptional and few companies can rival its quality. He emphasized the amazing nature of SEGA's soundtracks.
MMO Jukebox Song of the Week: ‘Rotgut the Bloated’ from Dungeon Runners
This article highlights 'Rotgut the Bloated,' an epic monster theme from the defunct MMOARPG Dungeon Runners, as the 'Song of the Week.' The author fondly remembers the game's satirical humor and wild soundtrack, emphasizing the role of music in connecting players to their gaming memories.
Anamanaguchi and Covet announce co-headlining tour — MP3s & NPCs
Anamanaguchi and Covet have announced a co-headlining tour across the United States this fall, beginning September 17 in Dallas and concluding October 3 in San Diego. Anamanaguchi will be touring in support of their latest album 'Anyway' and the soundtrack for 'Scott Pilgrim EX', while Covet will be promoting their 2023 album 'Catharsis'.
ShackStream: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 729
The Stevetendo Show will begin a new playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, aiming to complete it before a remake or remaster is released. The stream will also feature other classic games and discuss upcoming Nintendo Switch Online additions. The show airs on the Shacknews Twitch channel.
What's the best summer-themed videogame track?
This article discusses the best summer-themed video game music tracks, highlighting examples like Destiny Islands from Kingdom Hearts, Ginger Island from Stardew Valley, New Bodhum from Final Fantasy 13-2, and Seaside Resort from Tekken 8. The author expresses a preference for more subtle tracks that evoke nostalgia for late summer nights over overtly tropical themes.
Evening Reading - July 17, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading recaps various gaming news items, including updates on Battlefield 6, Elden Ring mods, and The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project with Obsidian, and that Fallout 5 is in pre-production. Konami has revived Metal Gear social accounts, and the Lies of P Complete Edition is heading to Nintendo Switch 2.