Remember When Game Music Had Soul?

Why do so many AAA game soundtracks start to sound the same… while indie games continue to surprise us with some of the most emotional, memorable music in modern gaming?
In this video essay, I break down the hidden reasons behind that shift — from industry trends and creative limitations to the passion-driven approach that indie composers bring to the table.

Topics covered:
• When AAA soundtracks began losing their sense of identity
• How production pipelines and deadlines influence creativity
• Why indie games experiment more with style, instrumentation, and emotion
• The role nostalgia plays in how we remember classic AAA music
• What makes certain tracks hit harder

From iconic themes like Halo and Black Ops to indie gems that blindsided players with raw emotion, this video explores how game music has evolved… and why the “soul” of gaming soundtracks is shifting.

If you care about video game music, design, or just want to understand why certain tracks give you chills, you’re in the right place.

Games featured:
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Destiny (2014)
Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Hollow Knight (2017)
Minecraft (2011)
Outer Wilds (2019)
Project Zomboid (2013)
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Risk of Rain 2 (2020)
Spelunky 2 (2020)
Stardew Valley (2016)
Terraria (2011)
Undertale (2015)

SONGS USED:
The Bottom    • Machinarium Soundtrack 01 - The Bottom (To...  
Underground    • Terraria Music - Underground  
Fall    • Stardew Valley OST - Fall (Raven's Descent)  
Hornet    • Hollow Knight OST - Hornet  
Title Theme    • Title Theme - Donkey Kong Country Returns ...  
…con lentitud poderosa    • Chris Christodoulou -  …con lentitud poder...  

My first video! :)
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