In a recent study of UK gamers by gaming and tech retailer Currys, 52% said they choose to listen to video game soundtracks outside of gaming sessions, and the games themselves.
Reportedly, the most popular situations for these gamers to listen to video game soundtracks away from the game are while exercising and relaxing, with 45% of UK gamers listening during these times. The next most popular situation is while doing household chores, with 32% putting on gaming tracks while doing the housework.
When it comes to the most popular soundtracks, the survey discovered that the 2018 masterpiece by Rockstar games, and winner of the coveted ‘Game of the Year’ award at The Game Awards, Red Dead Redemption 2, came out as number one. Next was Last of Us (2013), while third place went to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015).
The 20 games with the best soundtracks
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Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
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The Last of Us (2013)
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
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Halo Series (2001)
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Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
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Final Fantasy VII (1997)
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Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
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The Last of Us Part 2 (2020)
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Super Mario Bros. (1985)
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Assassin's Creed II (2009)
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Street Fighter II (1991)
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Final Fantasy XV (2016)
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Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
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Super Mario 64 (1996)
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Minecraft (2011)
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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)
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Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
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DOOM (2016)
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Final Fantasy X (2001)
But just because these were voted the best soundtracks by UK gamers, it doesn’t mean they are the most popular ones to listen to when away from playing the games.
The study also analysed over 80 video game soundtracks on Spotify to discover the track on each album with the highest number of streams. The data reportedly showed that Megalovania from Undertale topped the list with an impressive 183m streams. Undertale is an indie role-playing video game developed and published by Toby Fox, released in 2015. It gained widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay, compelling storytelling, and unique approach to player interaction. The song plays during the Sans fight in the Genocide Route; Sans was discovered to be one of the toughest game bosses in a recent study.
The second is Sweden from Minecraft (2011). Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time with players of varying ages, which is likely why this song has garnered over 176m streams on Spotify. Sweden is one of the original tracks from Minecraft: Volume Alpha, so for players who started playing the game during its early days, this song delivers nostalgia.
And the third most streamed video game song is Blow Me Away from Halo 2, with 108m streams. Blow Me Away is a standout track from the Halo 2 soundtrack and is performed by the rock band Breaking Benjamin. It is the only licensed rock song in Halo 2's soundtrack, which predominantly features orchestral and electronic music composed by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori.
Read the full report, here.
Image credit: Sean Do