Core Viewpoint - Game music, which accounts for less than 5% of production budgets but carries 30% of the narrative function, is gaining more attention from the mainstream music industry, highlighted by the Grammy Awards introducing a Best Video Game Score category starting in 2023 [1][2][3] Group 1: Development and Evolution of Game Music - The development of game music is closely tied to technological advancements, with early limitations in sound quality evolving significantly since the introduction of CD media around 1994, allowing for richer audio experiences [4][5] - Despite its growth, game music remains somewhat marginalized within the broader music discourse, yet its impact on players' mental engagement is profound, suggesting it should occupy a more central role [5][6] Group 2: Industry Insights and Changes - The Chinese game music industry is evolving, with aspirations to "catch up" to more developed markets, as exemplified by projects like "Black Myth: Wukong," which aims to involve musicians more deeply in the creative process [6][11] - The number of professionals in the game music sector has increased from a handful to potentially over a thousand, indicating significant growth in the industry [11][12] Group 3: Creative Collaboration and Challenges - Successful game music creation requires close collaboration between music producers and game developers, emphasizing the importance of building personal relationships to enhance creative synergy [29][30] - The dynamic nature of game music allows it to serve both as standalone works and as integral components of the gaming experience, showcasing its unique appeal [25][26] Group 4: Cultural and Artistic Expression - Game music is characterized by its inclusivity of various musical styles, allowing composers to explore and integrate diverse influences, which can enhance the emotional connection players have with games [18][20] - The industry is moving towards a more collaborative model, where musicians are encouraged to participate actively in the creative process rather than merely serving as external contributors [16][30] Group 5: Future Directions and Opportunities - There is a growing recognition of the need to avoid over-labeling game music, as this can create psychological barriers for artists, limiting their willingness to engage with the medium [64][65] - The potential for game music to enhance the value of game IPs is significant, with high-quality compositions contributing to broader marketing and cultural outreach efforts [61][62]