The rhythmic tap of keys, the buzzing of hardware, the sip of coffee amid deep concentration; the scene is a familiar one in the world of software development. While developers employ various techniques to improve concentration and productivity, music often reigns supreme as the tool of choice to foster a productive environment. But did you know that video game music, designed to facilitate focus and enhance the gaming experience, can also be a potent ally for software developers? In this blog post, we explore the merits of tuning into video game music during coding sessions.  Its a productivity hack that I use myself (for those that don’t know that I am a software developer in my day job).

The Symphony of Coding: What Makes Video Game Music Special?

Video game music is crafted meticulously to elevate the gaming experience, offering an immersive environment that helps players focus, solve problems, and make decisions swiftly. These are precisely the qualities that software developers need while coding, making video game music an ideal background score for their workspace.

1. Designed to Enhance Focus

Video game scores are created with the specific intent to keep players engaged and focused for extended periods. This attribute translates well into the coding environment, helping developers maintain their concentration amidst potential distractions.

2. Boosts Productivity

The upbeat tempo and rhythmic patterns of video game music can enhance productivity by promoting a rhythm in the work process. It creates a flow that can help in maintaining a steady pace, reducing the time taken to complete tasks.

3. Encourages Creative Problem-Solving

Game music often accompanies critical decision-making and problem-solving scenarios in a game setting. It encourages a mindset of tackling challenges head-on, fostering a resilient approach towards problem-solving during code development.

Tuning Into the Right Playlist: Finding Your Coding Rhythm

Developing a playlist that resonates with your coding rhythm is vital. Consider including tracks from games renowned for their scores, such as “The Legend of Zelda,” “Final Fantasy,” and “Halo.” Their music is lauded for enhancing immersion and facilitating focus, promising a conducive backdrop for coding sessions.

Experiment with Genres

Don’t limit yourself to orchestral scores; explore diverse genres like chiptune and electronica that are prevalent in the gaming world. Experiment with different types to discover the genre that complements your workflow optimally.

Setting the Volume Right

While video game music can enhance focus, it is essential to maintain a balanced volume to avoid it becoming a distraction itself. A moderate volume level that seamlessly blends into the background is usually the most effective.

Conclusion: Code Harmony with Video Game Music

In the quest for productivity and enhanced focus in the ever-challenging world of software development, video game music emerges as an unlikely yet fitting ally. Its intrinsic ability to promote focus, fuel creativity, and foster a rhythmic workflow makes it a worthy contender in a developer’s toolkit for achieving coding harmony.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your headphones in search of the perfect coding rhythm, give video game music a try. You might find yourself diving deeper into your coding zone, with a heightened focus and a fresh burst of creative energy, all set to the tune of your favorite video game scores.

If you want to know of another way involving gaming that you can level up your software development experience, check out my recent post about why software developers should use gaming mice.