“The Players’ Score” Hits Kickstarter Funding Goal
Documentary Covers Cultural Impact of Video Game Music
It might be hard for today's youth to understand the thrill of walking into an arcade only to hear the siren's call of your favorite game's theme, beckoning you to the cabinet. However, they can identify with the heart-pounding excitement that accompanies the stereo sound of game music on the title screen of today's current gen games.
There are many elements that go into making a solid video game: graphics, storyline, gameplay. However, there is little doubt that music is what helps take these games to another level. You would be hard-pressed to go anywhere and not hear some element of video game music. Ringtones and message alerts feature bits and pieces of iconic game themes, sound effects, and character voice clips. Bands cover songs from video games or create pieces based on these tunes. YouTube videos showcase various renditions of classic game themes. As gaming has become such an integral part of our culture, so too has the music become ingrained in our hearts.
It is with that in mind that Kory Caldwell and Keaton Slansky set up a Kickstarter to fund “The Players' Score,” a documentary detailing the cultural and personal implications of video game music. From chiptune artists to cover bands to full-fledged symphonic renditions of game official soundtracks (OSTs), they hope to shed some light on the growing phenomenon and its impact on our culture and on the new generation of musicians and game composers.
“More people grew up knowing the Mario Bros. theme than probably the National Anthem.” Jake Kaufman, Composer
Kaufman is just one of many notable names to be featured in the documentary. Arin Hanson (a.k.a. Egoraptor) of Game Grumps and Starbomb lends his vocal talents to narrate the film which Kaufman (currently known for his work on “Shovel Knight”) will be scoring.
While the original goal of $24,000 has been reached, the team has three days left to reach their stretch goals. These funds will go towards traveling to conduct in-depth interviews with additional game composers such as Norihiko Hibino (“Metal Gear” series) and Manami Matsumae (“Mega Man”).
Check out the official Kickstarter page if you'd like to help them out, or go to "The Players' Score official site to learn more about the project.
