Symphony orchestras should be playing video game music, here’s why
Five questions with Wake Forest Professor, orchestra director and gamer Aaron Hardwick
Gaming continues to grow among people of all ages and backgrounds and represents (as of 2022) a $85 billion industry in the U.S. alone. It is projected to reach a worldwide revenue of $533 billion by 2027.
Related Event: April 17-19, 2025
“We Play Together: Music & Gaming”
A three-day event blending music, gaming, and academic exploration. Featuring Emmy Award-winning composer Inon Zur, whose scores for games like Starfield have captivated millions, this event also welcomes Pete Hines (’91, P ’25), former Senior Vice President at Bethesda Softworks, and retired NASA astronaut Dan Tani. Together, they will engage students and the community in workshops, a panel discussion, and an Esports LAN tournament, culminating in a live performance by the Wake Forest University Symphony Orchestra of Starfield’s awe-inspiring soundtrack.
Visit the Wake the Arts website for details.
J. Aaron Hardwick’s research on gaming music suggests performance of video game music by symphony orchestras has and will continue to open new pathways for listening, performance and composition that is increasing audience engagement in symphonic music.
Why should orchestras be playing video game music?
Approximately 60% of the U.S. population plays video games, with a large share of gamers being adults of all ages. In recent years, symphony orchestras have had challenges drawing audiences. Music is an essential part of the gaming experience and my research suggests that there are biases surrounding video games and video game music that developed, in part, from some U.S. marketing tactics from the 1980s. Today, video games are a vehicle by which symphonic performance art becomes universal and accessible to a wide range of audiences.
What makes gaming music unique?
Music provides a layer underneath everything when playing a video game. There’s something magical to it. A video game is designed to immerse the player in the experience and music helps create an emotional response, which is what scholars consider an extension of that gaming experience. When players see and hear musicians perform music from their favorite games, it’s a reminder of the video game-playing experience. You are immediately drawn back to those moments that you’ve invested in playing. Music is ultimately storytelling without words. When you combine this power with art, narrative and interactivity, immersion becomes very powerful.
Can you explain more about how music works in gaming?
Video game music is incredibly unique because it’s dynamic—it shifts and evolves based on the player’s actions. It’s not just background noise; it plays an essential role in the experience. The music does more than just accompany the game—it fuels the emotional journey. As a player, you’re deeply invested, and the music is carefully crafted to sync with that experience, amplifying your emotions. Whether it’s heightening a moment of tension, like a burst of panic, or celebrating a victory, like when you open that chest after 20 hours of gameplay and finally get that coveted item, the music is right there, driving the emotional connection and bringing the narrative to life.
Is video game music challenging to write and perform?
Video game music is incredibly complex, thanks to the evolution of technology and the accessibility of modern tools. Composers have to approach their craft in a different way because video games are non-linear. They need to think like the player, anticipating how the music will adapt and respond in real time. The talent behind these scores is truly remarkable—many composers come from top conservatories and music schools, bringing a wealth of technical expertise to the table. When you apply that level of musical depth to the gaming world, the result is nothing short of artistic brilliance, with fresh ideas in both form and texture that push the boundaries of traditional music composition.
Are symphonies leaning into performing gaming music?
When a live video game music concert takes place, it draws a diverse crowd—fans from the gaming community, curious onlookers, newcomers, and ticket holders all come together to experience it. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to lead the Munich Radio Orchestra in a performance of Let’s Play, a concert entirely dedicated to video game music. The event was broadcast live on BR Network and Twitch drawing over 26,000 viewers for one concert—highlighting the dynamic intersection of classical music and gaming, and underscoring the rising recognition of video game music as a powerful art form. For gamers, listening to these iconic scores is a shared, communal experience. The influence of gaming and its music is truly global, with players from all corners of the world connecting through the universal language of video games and music. It’s everywhere, and it’s only growing.
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