Listen via the Pulse Podcast: Play’n GO Music
While it’s true that in gaming, music often plays the role of the unsung hero; from creating tension to setting the tone, the right soundtrack can transform gameplay into a deeply immersive experience. Enter Play’n GO Music, the music division of iGaming specialist, Play’n GO, which aims to celebrate and share the artistry of their game soundtracks with the world. But what sparked this initiative, and what makes it so unique? We sat down with Play’n GO’s Erryn Gracey, to dive into the origins, creative process, and ambitious plans for this music-focused endeavour.
“Music has always been a huge factor in all gaming formats,” describes Erryn Gracey of the creation of Play’n GO Music. “It helps tell the story, and most games are driven by narrative. Launching a music division felt like a natural next step for Play’n GO.”
The idea was also driven by fan demand. After Play’n GO released trailers for their games on platforms like YouTube, fans consistently asked where they could find the music. “We couldn’t have dreamed of what Play’n GO Music would become without the support of our fans,” says Erryn. Their enthusiasm acted as a catalyst, encouraging the company to curate and release selected soundtracks from its most popular games.
Core Originality
Play’n GO Music primarily focuses on original compositions. “Around 90 per cent of our catalogue relies on original music,” Erryn shares.
The tracks, created specifically for Play’n GO’s games, are now finding a broader audience through platforms like Spotify and YouTube. However, the division doesn’t shy away from licensing music when the opportunity fits the project. For example, their collaboration with the Finnish heavy-metal band Lordi included a remix campaign where fans voted on their favourite remixed track – a testament to Play’n GO’s willingness to explore creative intersections.
Despite these forays into licensing, the emphasis remains on originality. “This division was created to celebrate our original music,” says Erryn, highlighting the commitment to fostering creativity within the gaming industry.
While sound effects often steal the spotlight in games, Erryn believes that soundtracks deserve equal attention. “Music is such a natural storyteller, just like it is in movies,” she explains. To underscore the importance of music, Play’n GO partnered with the Grammy-nominated Czech National Orchestra to record a live soundtrack for the game Hugo Legacy. This collaboration marked a turning point in Play’n GO Music’s journey, demonstrating the level of craftsmanship and care the company brings to its soundtracks.
“Removing or changing the music in a game can completely alter the story being told,” explains Erryn. By prioritising music in their games, Play’n GO seeks to elevate the gaming experience itself.
Watch: The creation of the Hugo Legacy soundtrack
A Broader Audience Beyond Gamers
Play’n GO Music appeals not only to the company’s loyal slot game followers but also to a much wider audience. “There’s a whole group of active listeners who rely on platforms like Spotify and YouTube for new music,” Erryn says. Gaming soundtracks, with their cinematic scores and atmospheric tones, have carved out a niche among music lovers who enjoy background music while working or relaxing.
This crossover potential is what excites Erryn the most. “We’re tapping into cinematic lovers, music lovers, and even casual listeners who may not necessarily play our games,” she explains. This dual appeal to gamers and general music enthusiasts broadens Play’n GO Music’s reach and opens new doors for creative exploration.
Watch: The making of Sound of Adventure
Collaboration with Independent Artists
Play’n GO Music prides itself on being ‘artist-first,’ a philosophy that fosters strong relationships with independent creators. “We want artists to feel respected, heard, and free to express their artistic vision,” Erryn emphasises. This approach has yielded fruitful collaborations, offering independent artists the opportunity to contribute unique sounds to a dynamic and evolving platform.
From orchestral musicians to independent composers, Play’n GO selects artists based on the needs of each project. “It’s all about relationship building,” Erryn says. “We take the time to listen to different styles, research music genres, and find the right artist for the right project.” Whether it’s the Grammy-nominated Czech National Orchestra or a rising composer just starting out, Play’n GO adapts its collaborative process to suit the talent involved.
Listen: Reel Monsters
Collaboration at Play’n GO Music is a carefully crafted process. Once an artist is selected, they are provided with reference tracks to guide their creative direction. “We trust the artists to deliver exceptional work while ensuring the process is extremely collaborative,” Erryn explains. From initial conversations to finalising compositions, the team maintains a balance between creative freedom and alignment with the game’s vision.
For large-scale projects like Hugo Legacy, the timeline can span several months. “It took about six to seven months to plan,” says Erryn. “Coordinating with a 62-piece orchestra involves everything from booking the musicians to ensuring the right sheet music is in place.”
Celebrating Diversity in Music
Listen: Quantum Rush
One of Erryn’s proudest projects is The Sound of Adventure, which brought together four composers from around the world. Each artist was asked to draw inspiration from their cultural roots to answer the question: What does adventure sound like to you? The result was a collection of tracks that celebrated diversity and offered a rich tapestry of global sounds. “The stories told through the music were incredible,” Erryn says. “From Ireland to Guatemala, each composer brought their unique perspective, creating something truly special.”
As Play’n GO Music continues to grow, the team is already planning an exciting lineup for the coming year. “2024 was about setting the foundation,” Erryn shares. “This year, we’re building on that momentum with new and exciting projects.” While she remains tight-lipped about specifics, it’s clear that Play’n GO Music is just getting started. With a commitment to originality, collaboration, and artistic celebration, the division is poised to become a driving force in both the gaming and music industries.
Listen: Moon Princess
From live orchestral performances to independent artist collaborations, Play’n GO Music exemplifies the evolving relationship between gaming and music. As Erryn aptly puts it, “We’re living the dream – celebrating artists, connecting with fans, and redefining what gaming music can be.”
Listen via the Pulse Podcast: Play’n GO Music While it’s true that in gaming, music often plays the role of the unsung hero; from creating tension to setting the tone, the right soundtrack can transform gameplay into a deeply immersive experience. Enter Play’n GO Music, the music division of iGaming specialist, Play’n GO, which aims…