Video-Game Industry Scores Big-Name Composers

Far from the shrill beeps of a decade ago, video-game music has come into its own with compositions approaching the maturity of film scores, BusinessWeek reports. A new wave of composers is putting time and effort into sophisticated soundtracks that mark the continuing expansion of video games as a form of entertainment.

Large game companies are pouring $300,000 to $1 million into compositions, pulling out all the stops for orchestras, time in the recording studio, and professional production. And many composers with experience in film and TV are crossing over, drawn by the extra time allotted to compose and the experience of working intimately with game designers. (More video games stories.)