How Much Money Do Gaming Soundtracks Bring to the Music Industry Annually?

How Much Money Do Gaming Soundtracks Bring to the Music Industry Annually?

Video game music is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary music today. No longer just background noise or filler audio, it’s now a central part of the immersive gaming experience, blending artistic innovation with emotional storytelling. From sweeping orchestral scores to catchy electronic themes, game soundtracks influence not only how we experience games but also how we relate to music itself.

As the gaming industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar giant, so too has the importance of its music. It now rivals—and often collaborates with—mainstream music genres, bringing in new listeners, fans, and revenue streams. And this isn’t limited to big console or PC titles; even mobile games and online casino platforms are using music as a key element to engage players and create memorable gameplay experiences.

The Range of Gaming Soundtracks: AAA Titles to Mobile and Casino Games

Gaming soundtracks are as diverse as the games themselves. At the high end, AAA titles such as The Last of Us, Elden Ring, and God of War offer cinematic-quality scores composed by industry veterans. These soundtracks are often performed by live orchestras, recorded in major studios, and released separately for streaming and purchase. Many are nominated for, or even win, major music awards.

In the mid-tier and indie space, titles like Hollow Knight, Undertale, and Celeste have gained critical acclaim not only for their gameplay but also for their emotionally rich and stylistically unique soundtracks. These pieces often develop cult followings, with fans streaming them on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Mobile gaming, often underestimated, is another huge segment. Games like Clash Royale, AFK Arena, and Monument Valley use catchy loops and ambient soundscapes to keep users engaged. Even casual puzzle games have started integrating high-quality sound design to stand out in a crowded market.

A more surprising but fast-growing space is the online casino industry, where music is used to replicate and elevate the feel of real-world casino environments. Here, companies like Jili Games have become pioneers in using music not just as background, but as a central feature in creating immersive, branded experiences. As demonstrated on Solaire Online, one of the game developer’s biggest partners, the portfolio of Jili games includes live casino titles and slots that integrate everything from jazz and lounge themes to high-energy EDM, heightening player engagement and making each game session more entertaining. These soundtracks are carefully tailored to match the pace, tone, and visual style of each game, creating a seamless audio-visual experience that captivates users. Music is also used strategically to trigger emotional cues—building anticipation during spins, signaling wins, or enhancing the excitement of live dealer interactions. This thoughtful integration of music not only enhances gameplay but also helps establish a stronger brand identity, giving Jili’s games a distinct edge in a competitive market.

Why Music Is So Important in Gaming

Music enhances immersion, triggers emotional responses, and creates memorable moments. Whether it’s a heart-pounding battle theme or a calm exploration melody, soundtracks contribute directly to player retention and enjoyment. For game developers and publishers, this means longer playtimes, more in-app purchases, and higher customer satisfaction—translating into more revenue.

Moreover, game music often transcends the medium. It is performed at live concerts (such as Video Games Live or the Zelda Symphony), streamed millions of times, and even pressed on vinyl for collectors. This cross-industry appeal helps pull music lovers into the world of gaming and vice versa, widening the audience for both sectors.

Gaming Soundtracks and the Music Industry: The Financial Impact

Estimating the exact amount gaming soundtracks bring to the music industry annually is difficult due to fragmented reporting, but several industry sources help paint a clear picture:

•       According to MIDiA Research, game-related music revenues accounted for over $600 million in 2023, including streaming, licensing, and live performances.

•       Music from games is consistently streamed across platforms like Spotify, with franchises like Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and Minecraft garnering billions of plays.

•       The Persona 5 soundtrack alone has reached over 250 million streams across platforms, bringing in substantial royalties.

•       Labels like Materia Collective and Laced Records now specialize in distributing and monetizing video game soundtracks, often partnering with composers and studios.

Add to this the growing trend of live game-music concerts, vinyl re-releases, and merchandise collaborations, and the total annual revenue could easily surpass $1 billion when factoring in indirect streams of income.

Three Reasons Why Gaming Brings in Money to the Music Industry

1. Top Composers Are Now Involved in Game Scoring

World-famous composers are increasingly scoring video games. Hans Zimmer, the well-known composer who has scored over 150 films, including The Lion King, Top Gun: Maverick, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Dark Knight, composed the soundtrack for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Michael Giacchino, an Academy Award winner for Up, crafted the music for Medal of Honor. Their involvement not only raises the artistic level of game soundtracks but also draws in fans of film music and classical composition, opening new revenue streams through album sales, streams, and concert performances.

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2. Streaming and Digital Platforms Boost Reach and Revenue

Gaming soundtracks are now a major category on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Playlists featuring game music have millions of followers. Streaming not only gives composers royalties but also helps the music live independently from the game. Albums often chart on iTunes and Billboard’s classical or soundtrack categories, reflecting their popularity beyond gaming circles.

3. Live Performances and Merchandise Are Monetizing Music Further

Concerts like The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses and Distant Worlds: Final Fantasy (which is still touring) sell out global venues. Meanwhile, vinyl collectors and fans eagerly purchase limited edition soundtrack releases, sometimes selling out within minutes. These physical and live experiences create a deeper emotional connection, and importantly, drive additional income for the music industry.

Conclusion

Gaming soundtracks are no longer a niche—today, they’re a thriving and influential part of the music industry. From orchestral epics in AAA titles to genre-blending soundscapes in mobile and online casino games, music in gaming reaches millions of listeners daily. Companies like Jili Games have shown how even live casino experiences can be elevated through carefully crafted sound design, and platforms like Solaire Online demonstrate that the future of gaming and music is collaborative, immersive, and lucrative.

With streaming, licensing, composer collaborations, and concert experiences all contributing to a growing revenue stream, gaming music brings in well over $1 billion annually—and is poised to continue growing. As more artists, developers, and platforms embrace this synergy, gaming will remain one of the most dynamic frontiers in the music industry.