I don’t know about you but when I’m coding my games I like to listen to music or, more specifically, music without lyrics. Since I code games, I tend to look for inspiration in the games that I aspire to. I find it really encourages creativity to listen to the soundtracks of video games (its also, for the most part, distraction free).
This then is a list of video game soundtracks to listen to whilst you’re coding your next big game. This isn’t an exhaustive list, I think that would be pointless, instead its a list of soundtracks that I think represent the best (I’ve added links or embedded the music where possible).
I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments – I’ll aim to keep the list updated.
Updated 29th April 2014 – Added Indie game the move and child of light.
Child of Light (by Cœur de pirate)
Indie Game: The Movie (by Jim Guthrie)
The Binding of Isaac (by Danny Baranowsky)
Aquaria: Original Soundtrack (by Alec Holowka)
Shatter – Official Videogame Soundtrack (by Module)
Sword & Sworcery LP – The Ballad of the Space Babies (by Jim Guthrie)
PPPPPP – The VVVVVV soundtrack (by SoulEye)
Minecraft – Volume Alpha (by C418)
Mainly just the theme though – track 8
Bastion Original Soundtrack (by Darren Korb)
Super Meat Boy! Soundtrack (by Danny Baranowsky)