Music in video games has come a long way since the industry was born. We’ve gone from simple, monotone scores to full on surround sound orchestral scores. The purpose of music in games has also changed from basic background music to actually creating an emotional response to enhance the actions of the gamer. It’s hard to forget the fast paced techno music when you find your first Skaarj in Unreal to the signature chorus from the Halo series.

The only problem with in-game music is that for the most part, the only time you get to listen to the music is when you are playing the game. Sure a few companies have released game soundtracks for their games but they are few and far between. To help solve that problem, America On Line has added a Video Game Scores station to their AOL Online radio network. We got a chance to talk to Pete Schiecke, the AOL Radio Programming Manager about how the network got started and where they are going to take it.

GamingNexus: Why did you decide to bring the radio program back?
Pete Schiecke: Since Final Fantasy Radio went away (it ceased with the end of a deal), many AOL Radio listeners were emailing us and asking to bring the station back. I decided to go one step beyond Final Fantasy radio and create a channel dedicated to all of the great video game music out there.


GamingNexus: Is the station only available to AOL subscribers or is it open to the general public?
Pete Schiecke: Starting later this month, a free version of AOL Radio will be available through AOL.com. With the launch of our web version, everyone will be able to enjoy the Video Game Scores channel.


GamingNexus: Is this something that will be broadcasted 24 hrs a day or only during select portions of the day? Approximately how many hours of game music content will be broadcasted each day?
Pete Schiecke: The channel plays videogame soundtrack music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


GamingNexus: How many songs do you have in the rotation now?
Pete Schiecke: There are roughly 400 tracks in rotation at any given time. I’m constantly rotating songs in and out of the playlist to keep the channel fresh.


GamingNexus: Where you able to get everything you asked for or were some developers resistant to having their music broadcast?
Pete Schiecke: I’ve seen no resistance so far. Everyone I’ve talked with has been incredibly excited and supportive.

GamingNexus: Is this an on-going station or are you only going to run it for a limited time?
Pete Schiecke: The channel is on-going....