Sound and music in video games: A systematic review of player engagement and a meta-analysis of positively valenced player experience

Enja Heikkilä, Andrew Danso and Geoff Luck

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: Video game sound and music have previously been found to influence player engagement and affective responses during gameplay. However, a systematic investigation into the full extent of these effects has not been conducted. This review examined the influence of music and sound on players’ affective responses and engagement during video game play, with a meta-analysis of positively valenced experience (enjoyment, fun or positive affect). Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, six of which provided data for the meta-analysis. Game audio was associated with more positively valenced experience than silence (g = 0.48, 95% CI [0.22, 0.74]; small-sample adjusted 95% CI [0.14, 0.82]). Heterogeneity (I² = 58%) was accounted for by one self-selected music condition; without it, the effect was smaller and homogeneous (g = 0.34, 95% CI [0.18, 0.50]; I² = 0%). In exploratory subgroup analyses, sound effects showed a consistent benefit (g = 0.46), whereas the added effect of music over game sound was uncertain (g = 0.31, adjusted 95% CI [−0.07, 0.68]). In the narrative synthesis, music and sound were often associated with higher immersion, flow and motivation. Thirteen of the 14 studies were rated at low risk of bias. Evidence that game audio improves players’ affective experience is promising but preliminary; its effect on engagement has not yet been tested quantitatively, and further research and standardisation of methods are needed.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0361519

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0361519

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