Arcade Games
1972-1981
The Beginning
The arcade era introduced video games to the masses. In order to make them more interactive, amplified speakers were integrated into PCB boards to attract the first generation of video game players. These sounds began as rudimentary 'blips' and eventually into composed songs that played a integral role in the game itself. The advances in arcade game music paved the way for home video game music for decades to come.
Pong
Atari, 1972
The first video game with sound. The sound, from which the name originates, was generated from a built in ampilifier. The wall sound and the paddle sound create an octave, while the point sound is a disharmonic semitone to be more jarring.
An upright cabinet of Pong.
Gun Fight cover art.
Gun Fight
Taito, 1975
The first video game with music. Although not during gameplay, this represented the first time music was used to create an atmosphere in a game.
Space Invaders
Taito, 1978
The first game to have continuous music, with sound effects overlaid during game play. The increase in tempo of the iconic four tones was due to a programming bug, but was kept as it creates a feeling of urgency for the player.
Space Invaders flyer art.
That seemingly pedestrian four-note loop might stir us in the most primitive of ways, but that it stirs us at all is worthy of note.
Andrew Schartmann
Pac-Man flyer art.
Pac-Man
Namco, 1980
First game with cutscenes that included sound.
Frogger
Konami, 1981
First game to swap out background music in between levels.
Frogger flyer art.
Vanguard flyer art.
Vanguard
TOSE, 1981
Featuring music from Star Trek, this was the first game to contain licensed music. It also was one of the first instances of digital voice effects.