2025
Tuuri, Kai; Koskela, Oskari; Tissari, Heli; Vahlo, Jukka
Exploring music-based attachment to video games through affect expressions in written memories Journal Article
In: Entertainment Computing, vol. 52, 2025, ISSN: 1875-9521.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Affect expressions, Attachment, Cognitive linguistics, Game music, Memories, Music psychology
@article{Tuuri2025,
title = {Exploring music-based attachment to video games through affect expressions in written memories},
author = {Kai Tuuri and Oskari Koskela and Heli Tissari and Jukka Vahlo },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2024.100883
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875952124002519},
doi = {10.1016/j.entcom.2024.100883},
issn = {1875-9521},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-31},
urldate = {2025-01-31},
journal = {Entertainment Computing},
volume = {52},
abstract = {This paper presents an exploratory research on music-based attachment to video games, studied through personally valued game music memories. It focuses on people’s engagement with game music and game technologies, expanding previous research on the role of game music in people’s lives. We gathered 183 written game music memories and analyzed their contents and language. We focused on expressions of affect and sentiment, which we assumed would indicate affective involvement. However, we also explored the constitution of attachment by investigating how expressions of affect and sentiment were associated with other aspects in the stories that reflect personal valuation, focusing specifically on factors of autobiographical remembrance, conceptualizations of game music, and gaming technology related to memories. These investigations employed a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and statistical analyses. A major finding was that especially personal remembrances that involved an awareness of the self or related to the game music experience significantly predicted the use of expressions of affect and sentiment in the stories. In sum, the study outlines a framework for investigating people’s long-term engagement with technology as being intimately related to the context of everyday life and the constitution of self-understanding.},
keywords = {Affect expressions, Attachment, Cognitive linguistics, Game music, Memories, Music psychology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper presents an exploratory research on music-based attachment to video games, studied through personally valued game music memories. It focuses on people’s engagement with game music and game technologies, expanding previous research on the role of game music in people’s lives. We gathered 183 written game music memories and analyzed their contents and language. We focused on expressions of affect and sentiment, which we assumed would indicate affective involvement. However, we also explored the constitution of attachment by investigating how expressions of affect and sentiment were associated with other aspects in the stories that reflect personal valuation, focusing specifically on factors of autobiographical remembrance, conceptualizations of game music, and gaming technology related to memories. These investigations employed a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and statistical analyses. A major finding was that especially personal remembrances that involved an awareness of the self or related to the game music experience significantly predicted the use of expressions of affect and sentiment in the stories. In sum, the study outlines a framework for investigating people’s long-term engagement with technology as being intimately related to the context of everyday life and the constitution of self-understanding.
2022
Koskela, Oskari; Tissari, Heli; Tuuri, Kai
Käsitemetaforan näkökulma pelimusiikin henkilökohtaiseen merkityksellisyyteen Journal Article
In: Musiikki, vol. 52, iss. 4, 2022, ISSN: 2669-8625.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Conceptual metaphor, Game music, Game music memories, Käsitemetafora, Kokemukset, Merkitys (tärkeys), Muistot, Musiikki, Musiikkifilosofia, Pelimusiikki
@article{Koskela2022,
title = {Käsitemetaforan näkökulma pelimusiikin henkilökohtaiseen merkityksellisyyteen},
author = {Oskari Koskela and Heli Tissari and Kai Tuuri},
url = {https://musiikki.journal.fi/article/view/125643
https://musiikki.journal.fi/article/view/125643/75694},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.51816/musiikki.125643},
issn = {2669-8625},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-12-21},
urldate = {2022-12-21},
issuetitle = {Pelimusiikin tutkimus Suomessa},
journal = {Musiikki},
volume = {52},
issue = {4},
publisher = {Suomen musiikkitieteellinen seura},
abstract = {The perspective of conceptual metaphor on personal meaningfulness of game music
The use of metaphors is prevalent when talking about music in everyday life as well as in more professional contexts. As such, the role of metaphors in describing and understanding music has been a topic for philosophical discussions and more recently also for empirical research. While most of the focus has traditionally been on the meaning of music, in this article we consider metaphors as related to the personal meaningfulness of music. More specifically, we investigate metaphoric expressions in personal narratives of fond game music memories, aiming to understand what the metaphors tell about the relationship between music and the listener. Following the theory of conceptual metaphor, we treat metaphors not as merely rhetorical figures of speech but as a pervasive feature of human meaning-making, that is, as related to the way we understand abstract things by conceptually mapping our understanding of concrete things.
Our data is a set of 183 Finnish stories about personally meaningful memories with game music. We analysed the data in several steps, starting with the identification of metaphoric expressions and their source domains, followed by reducing them to their image schematic structures. Finally, we used the image schematic structures to organise the metaphors into 8 wider categories: Agency, Force, Spatial relations, Transfer, Mediator, Linkage, Tangible thing/object and Sensation. Besides presenting these categories as outlining different aspects of how the listeners’ conceptualise the personal meaningfulness of game music, we discuss the theory of conceptual metaphor as a viable approach for understanding musical experiences more generally.},
keywords = {Conceptual metaphor, Game music, Game music memories, Käsitemetafora, Kokemukset, Merkitys (tärkeys), Muistot, Musiikki, Musiikkifilosofia, Pelimusiikki},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The perspective of conceptual metaphor on personal meaningfulness of game music
The use of metaphors is prevalent when talking about music in everyday life as well as in more professional contexts. As such, the role of metaphors in describing and understanding music has been a topic for philosophical discussions and more recently also for empirical research. While most of the focus has traditionally been on the meaning of music, in this article we consider metaphors as related to the personal meaningfulness of music. More specifically, we investigate metaphoric expressions in personal narratives of fond game music memories, aiming to understand what the metaphors tell about the relationship between music and the listener. Following the theory of conceptual metaphor, we treat metaphors not as merely rhetorical figures of speech but as a pervasive feature of human meaning-making, that is, as related to the way we understand abstract things by conceptually mapping our understanding of concrete things.
Our data is a set of 183 Finnish stories about personally meaningful memories with game music. We analysed the data in several steps, starting with the identification of metaphoric expressions and their source domains, followed by reducing them to their image schematic structures. Finally, we used the image schematic structures to organise the metaphors into 8 wider categories: Agency, Force, Spatial relations, Transfer, Mediator, Linkage, Tangible thing/object and Sensation. Besides presenting these categories as outlining different aspects of how the listeners’ conceptualise the personal meaningfulness of game music, we discuss the theory of conceptual metaphor as a viable approach for understanding musical experiences more generally.
The use of metaphors is prevalent when talking about music in everyday life as well as in more professional contexts. As such, the role of metaphors in describing and understanding music has been a topic for philosophical discussions and more recently also for empirical research. While most of the focus has traditionally been on the meaning of music, in this article we consider metaphors as related to the personal meaningfulness of music. More specifically, we investigate metaphoric expressions in personal narratives of fond game music memories, aiming to understand what the metaphors tell about the relationship between music and the listener. Following the theory of conceptual metaphor, we treat metaphors not as merely rhetorical figures of speech but as a pervasive feature of human meaning-making, that is, as related to the way we understand abstract things by conceptually mapping our understanding of concrete things.
Our data is a set of 183 Finnish stories about personally meaningful memories with game music. We analysed the data in several steps, starting with the identification of metaphoric expressions and their source domains, followed by reducing them to their image schematic structures. Finally, we used the image schematic structures to organise the metaphors into 8 wider categories: Agency, Force, Spatial relations, Transfer, Mediator, Linkage, Tangible thing/object and Sensation. Besides presenting these categories as outlining different aspects of how the listeners’ conceptualise the personal meaningfulness of game music, we discuss the theory of conceptual metaphor as a viable approach for understanding musical experiences more generally.
Tuuri, Kai; Koskela, Oskari; Vahlo, Jukka
Pelimusiikin käyttötavat ja funktiot suomalaisten arjessa Journal Article
In: Musiikki, vol. 52, iss. 4, 2022, ISSN: 2669-8625.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Game music, Game music memories, Kokemukset, Kuuntelutottumukset, Muistot, Music preferences, Music psychology, Musiikkipsykologia, Pelimusiikki, Tunteet
@article{Tuuri2022c,
title = {Pelimusiikin käyttötavat ja funktiot suomalaisten arjessa},
author = {Kai Tuuri and Oskari Koskela and Jukka Vahlo},
url = {https://musiikki.journal.fi/article/view/125641
https://musiikki.journal.fi/article/view/125641/75692},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.51816/musiikki.125641},
issn = {2669-8625},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-12-21},
urldate = {2022-12-21},
issuetitle = {Pelimusiikin tutkimus Suomessa},
journal = {Musiikki},
volume = {52},
issue = {4},
publisher = {Suomen musiikkitieteellinen seura},
abstract = {The uses and functions of game music in everyday life
The premise of this article is the idea that games and their music do not only relate to playing, but are also part of people’s musical practices outside of the actual gameplay situation. However, so far very little research has been done on the meanings of game music outside of gaming. In this study, we aim for a broader understanding of people’s relationship with game music by examining how game music is used outside of the context of gaming. The empirical analysis of the article is based on two datasets collected in Finland. The primary material consists of written stories (N=183) about personally meaningful game music memories. In addition to this, we use survey data (N=785) concerning people’s activities with their favorite game music outside of the game. In the study, we investigated (1) how varied and common the activities of using game music are, (2) what different types of game music use can be discerned, and (3) what psychological functions of game music are disclosed in the personal stories.
According to both datasets, musical practices with game music in people’s everyday life were common. The ways of using game music were also diverse. In general, digital games appear to be a viable resource for engaging in musical practices and acquiring musical experiences. Through cluster analysis, three different types of game music use were outlined from the survey answers: performing/reproducing, reminiscing and appreciating the game experience, which refer to preferences for interacting with game music. Regarding the functions of music, the results imply that the functions of music documented in music psychology literature (mood management, aesthetic pleasure, self-enhancement, memory connection, social bonding) are well suited for analyzing the personal meanings of game music. In all, from the results, it can be established that the aesthetic value of game music for people, at least to some extent, seems to be conditioned by the gameplay experience, even if the music is separated from gaming.},
keywords = {Game music, Game music memories, Kokemukset, Kuuntelutottumukset, Muistot, Music preferences, Music psychology, Musiikkipsykologia, Pelimusiikki, Tunteet},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The uses and functions of game music in everyday life
The premise of this article is the idea that games and their music do not only relate to playing, but are also part of people’s musical practices outside of the actual gameplay situation. However, so far very little research has been done on the meanings of game music outside of gaming. In this study, we aim for a broader understanding of people’s relationship with game music by examining how game music is used outside of the context of gaming. The empirical analysis of the article is based on two datasets collected in Finland. The primary material consists of written stories (N=183) about personally meaningful game music memories. In addition to this, we use survey data (N=785) concerning people’s activities with their favorite game music outside of the game. In the study, we investigated (1) how varied and common the activities of using game music are, (2) what different types of game music use can be discerned, and (3) what psychological functions of game music are disclosed in the personal stories.
According to both datasets, musical practices with game music in people’s everyday life were common. The ways of using game music were also diverse. In general, digital games appear to be a viable resource for engaging in musical practices and acquiring musical experiences. Through cluster analysis, three different types of game music use were outlined from the survey answers: performing/reproducing, reminiscing and appreciating the game experience, which refer to preferences for interacting with game music. Regarding the functions of music, the results imply that the functions of music documented in music psychology literature (mood management, aesthetic pleasure, self-enhancement, memory connection, social bonding) are well suited for analyzing the personal meanings of game music. In all, from the results, it can be established that the aesthetic value of game music for people, at least to some extent, seems to be conditioned by the gameplay experience, even if the music is separated from gaming.
The premise of this article is the idea that games and their music do not only relate to playing, but are also part of people’s musical practices outside of the actual gameplay situation. However, so far very little research has been done on the meanings of game music outside of gaming. In this study, we aim for a broader understanding of people’s relationship with game music by examining how game music is used outside of the context of gaming. The empirical analysis of the article is based on two datasets collected in Finland. The primary material consists of written stories (N=183) about personally meaningful game music memories. In addition to this, we use survey data (N=785) concerning people’s activities with their favorite game music outside of the game. In the study, we investigated (1) how varied and common the activities of using game music are, (2) what different types of game music use can be discerned, and (3) what psychological functions of game music are disclosed in the personal stories.
According to both datasets, musical practices with game music in people’s everyday life were common. The ways of using game music were also diverse. In general, digital games appear to be a viable resource for engaging in musical practices and acquiring musical experiences. Through cluster analysis, three different types of game music use were outlined from the survey answers: performing/reproducing, reminiscing and appreciating the game experience, which refer to preferences for interacting with game music. Regarding the functions of music, the results imply that the functions of music documented in music psychology literature (mood management, aesthetic pleasure, self-enhancement, memory connection, social bonding) are well suited for analyzing the personal meanings of game music. In all, from the results, it can be established that the aesthetic value of game music for people, at least to some extent, seems to be conditioned by the gameplay experience, even if the music is separated from gaming.
2021
Tuuri, Kai; Koskela, Oskari; Vahlo, Jukka; Tissari, Heli
Identifying the Impact of Game Music both Within and Beyond Gameplay Proceedings Article
In: Baalsrud Hauge, Jannicke; Cardoso, Jorge C. S.; Roque, Licínio; Gonzalez-Calero, Pedro A. (Ed.): Entertainment Computing – ICEC 2021: 20th IFIP TC 14 International Conference, ICEC 2021, pp. 411-418, Springer, 2021, ISSN: 0302-9743.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Game music, Human-music interaction, Impact, Memories
@inproceedings{Tuuri2021,
title = {Identifying the Impact of Game Music both Within and Beyond Gameplay},
author = {Kai Tuuri and Oskari Koskela and Jukka Vahlo and Heli Tissari},
editor = {Baalsrud Hauge, Jannicke and Jorge C. S. Cardoso and Licínio Roque and Pedro A. Gonzalez-Calero},
url = {http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202111155659
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89394-1_33},
issn = {0302-9743},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-11-02},
urldate = {2021-11-02},
booktitle = {Entertainment Computing – ICEC 2021: 20th IFIP TC 14 International Conference, ICEC 2021},
pages = {411-418},
publisher = {Springer},
series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
abstract = {This paper presents an overview of and a brief critical reflection on game music’s impact on players both within and beyond the context of gameplay. The analysis is based both on the current literature as well as on preliminary (work-in-progress) observations of our research project Game Music Everyday Memories. We consider how the functions and uses of game music potentially extend to people’s everyday life, thus constituting a personally and culturally meaningful relationship with music that is not immediately connected to gameplay. On the other hand, we consider the ways game music and a person’s attachment to the music are involved in gameplay motivation and potential game retention. As a conceptual thematization, four approaches for identifying the broader musical impact of games are suggested and discussed. To substantiate the discussion, we combine some preliminary observations from two different datasets gathered within the ongoing project: (D1) personal narratives of fond game music memories (N = 183), and (D2) survey-data on favourite game music (N = 785).},
keywords = {Game music, Human-music interaction, Impact, Memories},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This paper presents an overview of and a brief critical reflection on game music’s impact on players both within and beyond the context of gameplay. The analysis is based both on the current literature as well as on preliminary (work-in-progress) observations of our research project Game Music Everyday Memories. We consider how the functions and uses of game music potentially extend to people’s everyday life, thus constituting a personally and culturally meaningful relationship with music that is not immediately connected to gameplay. On the other hand, we consider the ways game music and a person’s attachment to the music are involved in gameplay motivation and potential game retention. As a conceptual thematization, four approaches for identifying the broader musical impact of games are suggested and discussed. To substantiate the discussion, we combine some preliminary observations from two different datasets gathered within the ongoing project: (D1) personal narratives of fond game music memories (N = 183), and (D2) survey-data on favourite game music (N = 785).
Vahlo, Jukka; Koskela, Oskari; Tuuri, Kai; Tissari, Heli
Linkages Between Gameplay Preferences and Fondness for Game Music Proceedings Article
In: Baalsrud Hauge, Jannicke; Cardoso, Jorge C. S.; Roque, Licínio; Gonzalez-Calero, Pedro A. (Ed.): Entertainment Computing – ICEC 2021: 20th IFIP TC 14 International Conference, ICEC 2021, pp. 304–318, Springer, 2021, ISBN: 978-3-030-89393-4.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Factor analysis, Game music, Music preferences, Player preferences, Survey
@inproceedings{Vahlo2021,
title = {Linkages Between Gameplay Preferences and Fondness for Game Music},
author = {Jukka Vahlo and Oskari Koskela and Kai Tuuri and Heli Tissari},
editor = {Baalsrud Hauge, Jannicke and Jorge C. S. Cardoso and Licínio Roque and Pedro A. Gonzalez-Calero },
url = {http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202111155662},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89394-1_23},
isbn = {978-3-030-89393-4},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-10-22},
urldate = {2021-10-22},
booktitle = {Entertainment Computing – ICEC 2021: 20th IFIP TC 14 International Conference, ICEC 2021},
pages = {304–318},
publisher = {Springer},
series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
abstract = {In this paper we explore connections between players’ preferences in gameplay and their desire to listen to game music. Music always takes place in cultural contexts and the activity of music listening is likewise entangled with versatile cultural practices. This is arguably evident in the case of game music since the primary context of encountering it is the active and participatory experience of gameplay. By analyzing survey data (N = 403) collected from the UK, we investigate how contextual preferences in gameplay activities predict fondness for game music. It was found that player preference for Aggression and Exploration are two precedents for liking game music. These findings indicate that a better understanding of the extra-musical qualities of game music is crucial for making sense of its overall attractiveness and meaningfulness.},
keywords = {Factor analysis, Game music, Music preferences, Player preferences, Survey},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
In this paper we explore connections between players’ preferences in gameplay and their desire to listen to game music. Music always takes place in cultural contexts and the activity of music listening is likewise entangled with versatile cultural practices. This is arguably evident in the case of game music since the primary context of encountering it is the active and participatory experience of gameplay. By analyzing survey data (N = 403) collected from the UK, we investigate how contextual preferences in gameplay activities predict fondness for game music. It was found that player preference for Aggression and Exploration are two precedents for liking game music. These findings indicate that a better understanding of the extra-musical qualities of game music is crucial for making sense of its overall attractiveness and meaningfulness.