Drum & bass has an electric energy that’s made it an irresistible choice for video game soundtracks over the years. From the racetracks of Gran Turismo to the futuristic sci-fi courses of WipEout, drum & bass provides the perfect high-tempo soundtrack to match the intense pace and adrenaline of gaming. Here’s a look at how three iconic franchises (Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, and WipEout) have leveraged this genre to enhance player experience, featuring tracks that have become almost synonymous with the games themselves.
Gran Turismo: Setting the Standard for Racing Soundtracks with “Remember the Future” by London Elektricity
The Gran Turismo series has long been celebrated not only for its realistic driving mechanics but also for its carefully selected, genre-spanning soundtracks that capture the excitement of the racetrack. In Gran Turismo 5, one of the standout tracks is “Remember the Future” by London Elektricity, a prominent drum & bass artist signed to the legendary Hospital Records. Known for its smooth, soulful, yet energetic “liquid” style, London Elektricity’s track provides a perfect auditory match for the precision and polish of Gran Turismo’s aesthetic.
“Remember the Future” is an upbeat, melodic drum & bass track with a distinctive rhythm that kicks in just as players buckle up to hit the track. With layers of smooth synths and driving bass, the song creates an immersive experience that feels like a heartbeat pulsing alongside the high speeds and sharp turns of the racetrack. As players become fully absorbed in the race, the track’s energy pushes them to accelerate just a little faster, take that turn just a little sharper. “Remember the Future” wasn’t added by accident; Gran Turismo developers wanted a soundtrack that would heighten players' focus and create a vibe that was both intense and technically polished. It’s this blend of sophistication and adrenaline that made it the perfect choice.
By including a track like “Remember the Future,” Gran Turismo distinguished itself from other racing games, offering a soundtrack that was as carefully designed as the cars themselves. Drum & bass lovers and racing fans alike remember it as a highlight, making it a defining musical moment within the series and an excellent introduction to drum & bass for newcomers.
Need for Speed: The Aggressive Edge of Drum & Bass in “Tarantula” by Pendulum
For a game that’s all about illegal street racing, police chases, and the thrill of the chase, drum & bass is a natural choice. In Need for Speed: Most Wanted, players are dropped into a world where speed isn’t just encouraged; it’s essential for survival. Here, Pendulum’s “Tarantula” (featuring Fresh, Spyda, and Tenor Fly) takes center stage, fueling the game with a fierce energy that’s impossible to ignore.
“Tarantula” is a heavy, bass-driven track with aggressive beats and infectious energy. Pendulum’s unique blend of rock and drum & bass makes the song perfect for high-stakes gameplay. The track is loud, gritty, and relentless, just like the high-octane street races in Most Wanted. As players hit top speeds and narrowly avoid police capture, the track’s throbbing bassline and rapid-fire rhythm amplify the pressure and excitement. It’s almost as if the music is urging you to go faster, to take risks, to push the limits of your car and your skills.
For Need for Speed, the inclusion of Pendulum’s “Tarantula” wasn’t just about adding a popular song—it was about aligning the game’s culture and aesthetic with the music. Pendulum’s energetic, genre-bending sound was already a major influence in the drum & bass scene, and with “Tarantula,” the developers found a track that reflected the game’s rebellious attitude. It’s a song that doesn’t just play in the background but becomes a core part of the experience, with every beat syncing with the pulse-pounding gameplay.
Meanwhile, Need for Speed: Underground included tracks from pioneers like Adam F and Photek, who were integral to the early jungle and DnB scenes. Adam F’s contributions, in particular, bring an element of dark, underground vibes that perfectly matched the game’s nighttime cityscape and edgy street racing atmosphere. By choosing such artists, Underground provided an immersive audio experience that resonated with its urban and subversive aesthetic.
WipEout: Drum & Bass on the Edge of Tomorrow with The Prodigy and Pendulum
If there’s one game series that’s consistently tapped into electronic music to enhance its futuristic aesthetic, it’s WipEout. Known for its anti-gravity racing and sci-fi settings, WipEout has always gone for high-octane electronic music, with drum & bass as a key part of the mix. Among the most memorable tracks in WipEout are The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” and Pendulum’s “Slam,” both of which have become anthems for the series.
The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” is iconic for its rebellious energy and raw power, making it a perfect fit for WipEout’s futuristic yet gritty racing environment. As players navigate complex anti-gravity courses and push their vehicles to the limit, “Firestarter” acts as a relentless backdrop, driving them to go harder and faster. The Prodigy’s aggressive, punk-infused style of electronic music helped WipEout establish its edgy tone, setting it apart from more traditional racing games. It was a track that resonated not only with players but also with a broader audience, helping WipEout become a cultural touchstone for electronic music fans.
Pendulum’s “Slam” takes things even further, with a high-energy rhythm and massive drops that align perfectly with WipEout’s intense, futuristic vibe. “Slam” has a kinetic feel that mirrors the rapid, almost reckless pace of the game, making players feel like they’re on the edge of control. By choosing such tracks, the WipEout series didn’t just use drum & bass as a background element—it made the music part of the game’s identity, enhancing its reputation as a game for electronic music lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Apex Legends Trailers – High-Energy Drum & Bass
While Apex Legends doesn’t use drum & bass directly in gameplay, it has featured the genre in its trailers and advertisements, creating a suspenseful, high-energy mood that mirrors the game’s intense, strategic gameplay. The trailers, often paired with DnB beats, effectively capture the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of Apex Legends. These high-energy soundtracks amplify the game’s action-packed sequences, offering viewers a taste of the split-second decisions and adrenaline-pumping battles they can expect. Drum & bass’s intense tempo and heavy bass make it an ideal choice for building anticipation and excitement, enhancing the trailer’s impact and drawing in players eager for fast-paced action.
Mirror’s Edge & Mirror’s Edge Catalyst – Parkour Vibes in Drum & Bass
Mirror’s Edge revolutionized the first-person parkour genre, and drum & bass played a crucial role in defining its atmosphere. The game’s protagonist, Faith, navigates a sleek, dystopian cityscape with fluid parkour moves, and the fast-paced beats of drum & bass are there to match every sprint, jump, and slide. The soundtrack’s quick, rhythm-driven tracks provide a sense of speed and flow that immerses players in Faith’s journey, capturing the urgency and fluidity of parkour.
The game’s choice of DnB wasn’t merely aesthetic; it added to the feeling of urgency as players leap across rooftops and evade enemies. The music acts almost as a heartbeat, underscoring the thrill and risk of each move. As Faith races across the city, the DnB soundtrack creates a sense of freedom and motion, transforming the player’s experience into a high-speed chase across an urban playground.
Far Cry 3 – “Make It Bun Dem” by Skrillex and Damian Marley
In Far Cry 3, drum & bass and dubstep make an unforgettable appearance in the mission “Kick the Hornet’s Nest,” where players must burn down a drug field. Here, the track “Make It Bun Dem” by Skrillex and Damian Marley plays as flames engulf the field, creating an intense, chaotic scene. The track, with its combination of heavy bass and reggae influences, perfectly matches the frenzy of the mission, where players unleash destruction in the midst of an island paradise.
Skrillex’s signature bass drops, combined with Marley’s reggae vocals, create a unique mix that makes the scene feel larger than life. The music amplifies the intensity of the moment, turning a chaotic mission into an iconic Far Cry experience. “Make It Bun Dem” became one of the most memorable tracks in Far Cry 3, reflecting the game’s unpredictable, explosive nature.
Energy Drink and Sports Car Commercials – Red Bull and Other Brands
Outside of gaming, drum & bass has also made its mark in commercials, particularly for brands like Red Bull and high-performance sports cars. The genre’s fast tempo and intense beats make it a perfect fit for commercials that need to convey speed, power, and excitement. In Red Bull ads, DnB often serves as a backdrop to extreme sports sequences, emphasizing the thrill and energy that the drink promises to deliver.
Sports car commercials also use drum & bass to highlight the power, control, and sleek design of their vehicles. The genre’s heavy basslines and fast rhythm reflect the cars’ ability to accelerate and maneuver with precision, creating a visual and auditory experience that draws viewers in. By using drum & bass, these ads tap into the genre’s high-energy vibe, connecting with audiences who crave excitement and adventure.
These examples reveal how drum & bass has become an essential component of gaming soundtracks and advertising, capturing the thrill of speed, power, and risk. From Gran Turismo’s polished tracks to Need for Speed’s street racing anthems and WipEout’s futuristic chaos, drum & bass has proven to be a genre that can enhance any intense, high-stakes experience. The genre’s pulse-pounding beats and heavy bass have made it a cultural mainstay, bridging the worlds of gaming, music, and advertising to create immersive, unforgettable experiences that keep players and audiences coming back for more.