Gaming Music

adding an aural dimension

When I was a much younger, Game Masters sought to create the perfect gaming environment. That included creating props, visual aids and the right ambiance. Thus there was a period where everyone sought to create their own library of gaming music. There was this sense that if the game master failed to provide the bells and whistles, then he wasn't doing his job. For a time the pursuit seemed exciting. Then it became stressful.  

Who actually had the time to assemble a theatrical production? There was also the operational aspect. Pre-MP3 or even pre-CD, trying to locate the proper sound tracks was a chore. We only had magnetic audio tape. In the end, running a smooth game remained the priority. The audio was dumped.

Fast forward a few years and music started creeping into the games again. With my group, this culminated in our BESM game which practically ran with full audio. For each season we had Anime Music for the game. With the release of affordable portable MP3 players, it was easier to cue and switch music. We also asked someone to volunteer for Sound Technician duties. The game master described the mood and the sound tech chose an appropriate song. 

Some old gamers may bristle at technology encroaching the tabletop world. We embrace it.