Steve Schnur, the president of music at Electronic Arts, is a man on a mission. He can’t sleep at night, but he considers it both a blessing and a curse. In his pursuit of the next great sports video game soundtrack, Schnur finds himself scrolling through social media in the wee hours, discovering new music and sending it to his colleagues who are fast asleep.
One night, while scrolling through Instagram, Schnur stumbled upon Lola Young, a young British singer with a raspy, soulful voice. Immediately impressed, he texted Cybele Pettus, EA’s senior music supervisor, about his find. Two days later, they found themselves at a rooftop party in Los Angeles, watching Young perform live. They were captivated by her talent and storytelling ability through her music. Schnur and Pettus knew they had to have her for the latest edition of the EA Sports FC game.
Young, despite not being a gamer or a sports enthusiast, recognized the significance of being featured in such a popular game. Her song “Flicker of Light” now sits among 117 tracks from artists across 27 countries in the game.
Schnur’s approach to curating a video game soundtrack is unconventional yet effective. He challenges his team to seek out fresh, undiscovered tracks rather than relying on chart-toppers or viral hits. They avoid mainstream sources of music to ensure that the soundtrack reflects the upcoming trends in the industry.
The process of selecting songs for video games like Madden, NBA2K, and MLB: The Show is a meticulous one. The teams responsible for these soundtracks scour the globe for new tracks, attend concerts, and even take suggestions from athletes and industry insiders. Artists like Green Day and Billie Eilish vie for a spot on these coveted soundtracks, knowing the impact their music can have on gamers worldwide.
The goal of these curated soundtracks is to create a lasting impression on players. The music becomes a time capsule, evoking memories of gameplay experiences long after the game has been replaced by a newer version. The authenticity of the sound is crucial, as it sets the tone for the entire gaming experience.
For David Kelley, the director of music partnerships at 2K, selecting songs for the NBA2K franchise means looking towards the future. The soundtrack should sound fresh and innovative, introducing players to new sounds and artists. Artists like 310babii, a young rapper from Inglewood, California, contribute exclusive tracks to these games, adding to the immersive experience for players.
At EA and 2K, the process of curating a game soundtrack begins as soon as the previous edition is launched. The flow of the songs is just as important as the individual tracks selected, creating a cohesive vibe that enhances the gameplay experience.
In games like MLB: The Show, the soundtrack is tailored to reflect the diverse backgrounds of the players in the sport. Latin music, reggaeton, and bachata are incorporated to accurately represent the cultural tapestry of baseball. The music in the game’s “Storylines” mode is carefully chosen to reflect the historical significance of events like the Negro Leagues, celebrating the accomplishments of athletes despite the challenges they faced.
Through each new video game release, these curated soundtracks become cultural touchstones, binding players to memorable moments and experiences. The music lives on as a reminder of the immersive worlds created by these games, leaving a lasting impact on players for years to come.
