Mental Health awareness has become a global topic of discussion – and the video game industry has been getting in on the conversation. In this episode, the research team explores the impact and role that music plays in video games recognized as part of the mental health conversation. From The Last of Us to Gris to Hellblade to Celeste, the Game Music 101 team looks to unpack the portrayal of mental health in these games and how – if at all – the music and sounds we hear bring us to a better understanding of this very important topic.

Music Tracks:

Gustavo Santaolalla – Main Theme, The Last Of Us soundtrack

David García Díaz, “Druth”, HellBlade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack

David Garcia/Andy LaPlegua, “Fight Theme”, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack

Berlinist, “Mae”, Gris soundtrack

Berlinist, “Pt 1 + Pt 2”, Gris soundtrack

Lena Raine, “My Dearest Friends”, Celeste soundtrack

Lena Raine, “Spirit of Hospitality”, Celeste soundtrack

Lena Raine, “First Steps”, Celeste soundtrack

Berlinist, “In Your Hands”, Gris soundtrack

David Garcia/Andy LaPlegua, “Dillion”, HellBlade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack

Gustavo Santaolalla, “All Gone (Seasons)”, The Last of Us soundtrack

Toby “Radiation” Fox with FL Studio, “Megalovania”, Undertale soundtrack

Lena Raine, “Resurrections”, Celeste soundtrack

Berlinist, “Comparison”, Gris soundtrack

Berlinist, “Perseverance”, Gris soundtrack

David Garcia/Andy LaPlegua, “Fight Theme 2”, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack

Gustavo Santaolalla, “The Quarantine Zone (20 Years Later)”, The Last of Us soundtrack

David Garcia/Andy LaPlegua, “Psych”, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack

Lena Raine, “In the Mirror”, Celeste soundtrack

Lena Raine, “Scattered and Lost”, Celeste soundtrack

Gustavo Santaolalla, “All Gone (No Escape)”, The Last of Us soundtrack

David Garcia/Andy LaPlegua, “Just Like Sleep”, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice soundtrack