Radio is usually associated with music, news and talk shows, but no one envisioned a future where it would find a place in the world of gaming. Yet it has.
Video games primarily thrive on visuals and interactivity, but radio has quietly made its way into gaming culture to become a key part of the industry.
Radio’s Role in Gaming Culture
Radio in gaming started as a simple way to provide background music or ambience.
However, it has come a long way since then, evolving from a mere auditory backdrop to a sophisticated tool that developers use to engage players and improve gameplay.
Early games used music and voice-overs through in-game radio to create an electrifying atmosphere. However, radio has taken up a more interactive role in modern games, contributing to both gameplay and narrative depth.
In games such as Killer Frequency, radio serves as a central gameplay mechanic. Players take on the role of a radio host, navigating life-or-death situations through calls, which adds even more tension and interactivity to the player’s gaming experience.
Even in some of the most popular console games such as the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series and Far Cry, radio is used to set the stage for chilling monologues from its antagonist, which heightens player immersion.
Radio may seem like an outdated medium in an age where streaming services have become prominent, but it has long contributed to the development and dissemination of gaming communities and content and is a valuable asset in the gaming world.
Its ability to deliver long-form, conversational content has allowed gamers to stay informed and entertained. Whether you’re commuting or gaming yourself, radio provides a constant stream of entertainment and information.
Ireland’s Media Industry Booming Despite Gambling Ad Ban Threat
A new report by PwC has revealed that the Republic of Ireland’s entertainment and media industry is thriving, with revenue expected to reach a whopping €7.6 billion by 2028.
Due to several challenges such as technological disruption and economic headwinds, the sector’s projected annual growth is 2.9 percent, which is slightly behind the global rate of 3.9%.
The slight drop-off is caused by slower growth in video gaming, but they are still experiencing a considerable rise in the sector thanks to strong performances from mobile internet, online advertising and video streaming.
However, a proposed ban on gambling advertisements could cast a shadow over this bright outlook, particularly where the radio industry is concerned.
The ban could also significantly impact the social and casual gaming sectors, which have been experiencing rapid growth in in-app advertising revenue.
This segment is expected to nearly double its in-app gaming ad revenues by 2028, increasing from €59 million in 2023 to €110m.
The overall industry is still expected to grow at a healthy rate, but the gaming sector could face problems if gambling ads are banned. It could also directly impact revenues in the radio industry.
Gambling-related content, including casino ads, often contributes significantly to annual revenues in the sector. Ultimately, the entire media industry’s overall ad revenue would take a serious hit.
A gambling ad ban could limit revenue opportunities in various segments and have far-reaching effects on the broader media landscape.
Radio 3’s Video Game Show Emphasises the Importance of Radio in Gaming
The BBC’s classical music station Radio 3 continues to delight listeners with its weekly programme dedicated to video game soundtracks.
Hosted by award-winning composer Jessica Curry, the hour-long show emphasises the increasing importance of radio as a reliable outlet to promote video game-related content.
The programme aims to highlight the growing importance of video game music in modern culture.
Curry, who previously hosted Classic FM’s ‘High Score’ programme, explores the wide range of music found in video games and the creative process behind it.
Video game music has become increasingly popular over the years, with symphonic concerts featuring music from famous games such as ‘Final Fantasy’ and ‘Legend of Zelda’ touring around the world.
Specialised music labels such as iam8bit and Data Discs have also been releasing vinyl records of video game soundtracks.
The appeal of video game music lies in both nostalgia and the unique creative freedom that composers have when creating scores for games, and radio is crucial to making the tunes more mainstream.