What's Happening?
The soundtrack of the 1993 video game Doom, composed by Bobby Prince, has been inducted into the National Recording Registry. This recognition underscores the cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance of the soundtrack, marking it as a pivotal
piece in the history of American music. The National Recording Registry, established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, selects recordings that reflect life in the United States. The Doom soundtrack is only the third video game music piece to be inducted, following the themes from Super Mario Bros. and Minecraft. This induction places the Doom soundtrack alongside other notable recordings such as 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia' by The Charlie Daniels Band and Taylor Swift's '1989'.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of the Doom soundtrack in the National Recording Registry is a significant milestone for the recognition of video game music as an important cultural artifact. This acknowledgment not only honors composer Bobby Prince but also elevates the status of video game compositions in the broader music industry. It highlights the evolving perception of video games as a legitimate and influential form of art and entertainment. This recognition could pave the way for more video game soundtracks to be considered for such honors, potentially influencing the future of music preservation and appreciation.
