A New Spin On Vinyl Collecting: Video Game Soundtracks
If you're between the ages of 18-35, chances are you may be one of those millennials responsible for the increase in vinyl record sales over the past decade. (MusicWatch) Vinyl records are passing the test of time and still have an appeal to both music aficionados and retro enthusiasts alike.
Here's another spin on vinyl collecting: a niche of video game fans are collectors of video game soundtracks on vinyl records. Now appealing to both vinyl fans and gamers, this takes vinyl collecting to a whole new level.
Gamers are frequently collectors of items related to their favorite games. Whether it is an action figure, posters, favorite characters on a tee-shirt, or even a car bumper sticker with the game logo, gamers often love having something tangible. Vinyl records of video game soundtracks offer something more than just a display item; vinyl presents an additional experience outside of the video game. Video game soundtracks are unique unto themselves.
The soundtrack of a game is meant to keep the gamer entertained throughout the game, but not distract them. Video game music has evolved from more than just bleeps and sound effects and can be motivational, can set the ambiance, and it may even help the gamer focus. Video game soundtracks are an important and artistic component of a game and can present a similar level of emotion like the score of a film. For some gamers though, the music is so well-done that it is enjoyable to listen to even when they are not playing the game.
Vinyl records of video game soundtracks offer the bonus feature of tangibility for the collector. The vinyl packaging will often come with album artwork that may not be found elsewhere. The artwork allows the collector to display the album on a wall, on a shelf, or within a collection. The vinyl itself can also have a physical allure and is sometimes offered in novelty colors such as clear vinyl, have a smokey-transparent appearance, or just traditional black.
Listening to a vinyl record can be considered a unique experience; some people feel that vinyl offers an exceptional sound quality compared to digital formats. Digital consumers may also enjoy the nostalgic aspect of actually owning, collecting, displaying, and experiencing an item such as a vinyl record of video game soundtracks. From nostalgia to being a collector, or just a video game fan, vinyl records of video game soundtracks are a unique and fulfilling find.