Capitol News

Ryan Thompson, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, is exploring the intersection of music and video games. With a background in vocal music and gaming, Thompson is organizing the North American Conference on Video Game Music, set to take place at MSU from March 16 to 17. This conference will include academic discussions on various aspects of video game music.

In addition to the conference, the MSU College of Music will host a concert inspired by video game music on March 16. The event will feature performances by students and Laura Intravia, known for her contributions to video game music.

Thompson explains that music plays a crucial role in video games by connecting different parts of gameplay. He notes that unlike other mediums, composing for games involves integrating music into gameplay dynamics. For instance, different musical themes may represent distinct geographical areas within a game.

Thompson highlights how audio cues can convey important information to players. In "League of Legends," sound designers use specific sounds like wind chimes to indicate healing spells.

He also shares his personal favorites in video game sounds and music, mentioning iconic elements from Sonic the Hedgehog and Final Fantasy VI. According to Thompson, modern video games have become significant sources for orchestral scores in the 21st century.