Music is an essential aspect of everyday life. Whether we are listening to songs purposefully or because of being in a specific environment, the emotions invoked by any tune are bound to stick with us for a lifetime. The entertainment industry is undoubtedly the biggest beneficiary of music which is why every part of it incorporates melodies to evoke certain emotions in the target audience.
The casino gaming industry has not been left behind in this regard, as every game out there has some form of sound incorporated into the gameplay. Taking an example of the games you’ll find at the Live Casino Vulkan Vegas, every title you launch generally has a musical score or a simpler background tune. That’s particularly the case with slot machine games, where you will encounter intricate music if it features a particularly elaborate storyline. On top of that, you’ll find special effects sounds that increase engagement levels when you unlock a bonus round or land a payout while having fun.
Role of Music in Casino Games
Apart from the emotional connection that players will have to a game based on the soundtrack, psychological research has shown why gaming developers engage musicologists when developing new games. The most important are:
- Casino game music helps players keep track of the time they spend on a specific game. The alteration in tempo and tone has been scientifically proven to be effective in that aspect.
- Different tunes put players at ease as they get ready to gamble, especially when real money is at stake. The tension dissolves once the fitting soundtrack accompanies the gameplay.
- Background tunes can set the appropriate mood depending on what the provider is going for in the game. This is especially so in emotionally charged games such as themed video slots.
- Help change players’ attitudes towards a particular game and enable them to engage with the game longer than they would have with different music.
So, as much as the general outline of a casino game is vital in drawing in players, the availability of sound effects will determine whether they stick around or get distracted by something else.
It has been established that the tempo of the music being played will affect the speed at which players place bets. This basically implies that faster-paced beats encourage players to bet faster, while slow-paced sound sets the mood for slower decision-making. That said, it’s no wonder most games contain upbeat music, and brick-and-mortar casinos opt for faster tunes.
Contrast Between Music in Land-based vs Online Casinos
When you walk into a land-based casino, you will be ushered into a world of alternating sounds. They usually feature the inescapable whirring and beeping of slot machines as gamblers try their luck, along with the sound of balls in wheels and cards being shuffled at tables. For some punters, these sounds define their entire experience at an establishment. In addition, land-based casino operators oftentimes play some background music to complete the whole experience for players.
The audio-visual effects at online casinos are slightly different, and players will have varying experiences when they visit online gaming platforms. Of course, some of these platforms have taken creativity to a whole new level by trying to recreate the physical casino sound effects. However, their strongest suit lies in the in-game music from the often-huge portfolio of games in the lobby.
While players may turn these off at the click of a button, most have found that keeping them on serves a purpose and may, in fact, benefit the player. So, as developers strive to get the graphics right, they also try to get the music right. That’s because the two go hand-in-hand in keeping players glued to a gaming screen so that they can keep enjoying themselves.
Feel the Beat On Casino Floors
Irrespective of the location and time, it is evident that music is fundamental in ensuring the success of a casino game or platform (online or land-based). Therefore, the provider and/or operator must take note of the target audience when selecting the kind of music to be played at an establishment or during the game itself.
The nostalgic experience created from listening to a certain tune in a casino game or at a physical location is curated with the player in mind. Therefore, for casino game developers, this is where all the roads lead. The choice of music keeps getting more refined to adapt to the dynamic player preferences and daily habits. But, of course, the most well-thought-out ideas tend to have the most impact, which is why some games are preferred to others.
