The Effects of Music on Gameplay and Immersion
By: Armando Villarreal III
Supervisor: Myque Ouellette
Masters of Interactive Technology degree conferred December 15, 2009
Thesis / Project completed: December 15, 2009

This thesis examines what kind of effects music can have in videogames. A videogame designer’s job involves creating the best gameplay possible for players. Music provides one method for designers to help immerse players in the gameplay experience.

Current trends indicate that a video game’s musical accompaniment can now match the orchestral scores present in the film industry. Composers now possess the tools to musically narrate the on-screen action that players see and influence their emotions.

This project uses Gears of War (Epic Games) to arrive at conclusions that suggest how music affects players’ gameplay experiences. Do players feel more immersed in the experience when high-action orchestral music accompanies a battle against the Locust? How about if thematically dissonant music, like from a children’s cartoon, accompanies the action? Or finally, do they even notice if music is removed entirely?

One study reveals how different student specializations react to music. Another method examines whether a tester’s Bartle Type provided different results. Reviewing these results provides a better understanding of how music affects different kinds of players. Overall, this thesis suggests that players felt that experiences with immersive music more closely align with what they expect from a game like Gears of War.

Download entire thesis (.pdf)