Game soundtracks are a way of life. Most gamers can probably remember the first time they heard the iconic Super Maro Bros intro, their favorite track from the Fantasy Fantasy series, or the legendary opening bars to the OpenTTD soundtrack.
Okay, perhaps not so much the latter, but video game soundtracks often leave a special mark—and there is one streaming service with almost every soundtrack you could ever want to listen to.
Why Spotify Is the Best Music Streaming Service for Video Game Soundtracks
If you’re like me, you’ve grown up with and still love video games. I don’t have as much time as I’d like to play these days, but the soundtracks to the games I play live long in the memory.
As said above, the Super Mario Bros theme tune is probably the most iconic video game music track, closely followed by the original Tetris theme tune. But while these pillars of the genre are almost universally known (and have a propensity to become earworms!), the video game soundtrack world is vast.
It was also disparate until music streaming services came along and unified audio collections. I’m not getting drawn on the ethics of music streaming services, but there is little doubt that the advent of services like Spotify has made it much easier to enjoy your favorite video game soundtracks outside of the game itself.
We’re a long way from recording the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 OST through my PlayStation 2’s optical output to a MiniDisc player, that’s for sure.
Over the years, Spotify has simply become the place to go for video game audio. Most major developers now release full game soundtracks directly to Spotify, knowing fans want to enjoy that audio wherever they go.
Why Listen to Video Game Soundtracks?
For me, it boils down to a few reasons.
First, video game OSTs are designed to complement the game rather than distract. When you’re working or deep in concentration, a video game soundtrack is often the perfect accompaniment; a little stimulating but nothing that’ll rip you away from what you’re doing. (I mean, unless you’re putting on the Doom 2016 soundtrack or something; there are caveats to this!).
Second, some games have incredibly moving moments, and being linked back to those brings a blissful hit of nostalgia. It’s just nice to link back to a favorite moment, like anything in life.
And third is a combination of those things. A 2015 study found that those listening to familiar classical music exhibited faster response times and could concentrate for longer periods. It’s not just feelings; there is a wealth of science behind video game music and why it’s worth listening to outside the game.
The 5 Best Video Game Soundtracks on Spotify
Now, I’m not going to leave you hanging. Spotify is rammed full of video game soundtracks; the best way to find them is to search. But here are some of the best options to get you going.
1. Video Game Soundtracks
The aptly named Spotify-curated playlist includes over 130 songs from various games, including The Last of Us, Minecraft, Twisted Metal, Skyrim, and so many more.
2. Doom (2016)
Mick Gordon’s outrageous composition for the Doom soundtrack will live long in the memory. It might not be music you’ll concentrate or study to, but it’s always worth a listen.
3. EA Games Soundtracks
Okay, so not one soundtrack, but the link to every EA soundtrack hosted on Spotify. Here you’ll find Mass Effect, Command and Conquer, Real Racing, Battlefield, Titanfall, Mirrors Edge, and so many more options.
4. Square Enix Music
Similar to the above, the official Square Enix Music page has soundtracks from most Final Fantasy games, along with some Chrono Trigger, NieR, and others.
5. Halo: Combat Evolved
Let’s round it off with an all-time classic: the soundtrack for Halo: Combat Evolved. There can’t be many gamers that haven’t heard this soundtrack at somepoint, and for many, it was the background music to every afternoon.
