I will admit that it is a rather strange question, but one that I've been pondering.  Why is it that almost every video game seems to feel a bit void without the use of background music?  The same could be argued for movies as well, but I'm not sure it is quite under the same category.

 

I understand the logic behind BGM providing a sort of environment to the game itself, whether you are in a spot of respite or faced with a difficult enemy or challenge; however, it could be noted that BGM isn't necessary for a game.  That of course is rather obvious considering it is not the music that allows you to play the game.  (Don't even bring up rhythm games.  That's not even close to being a part of this sort of thing.)  Another thing to note would be the selection of games where music is not even a factor (For example, Minecraft has music that can be played, but it does not really affect anything about the game).  

 

To be honest, I'm sorta coming up with things as I go, haha.  I'm starting to wonder if games that have a plot or story to follow seem to need it a bit more, while others that are more sandbox-ish can go with out them.  Is the music solely for setting a mood to the world around you to possibly replace the emotions you might feel if you were actually in it?  Or are they to express the situation, the feelings of another, or some sort of relationship between people?  I suppose that's what character themes are about.  I'm really not sure, but I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and what you might like to add, as my thoughts are a bit incomplete at the moment.

Background Music is for a few reasons.

One is if there's no other sounds (and it's not a loading screen) music makes the game have some life soundwise

Music is audibly pleasing. Having music pleases our hearing sense (which is why it's such a big part of life) so that also adds into it.

As you said setting moods.

 

A game doesn't need it, no. But it does make a game better about 99% of the time. 

To put it simply: It adds to the games overall atmosphere, and is more entertaining to listen to than just game sound effects. 

Music is essential in most forms of media.

Well take it this way, most BGM provide more than 'feel' to games. 

 

It'd be pretty boring when there's nothing but streams of test/voice coming there with nothing at all to be overridden with. Something'll 'feel' out of place. Whilst for some games like, Castlevania and Pokemon, it feels odd. All you'd here is the SEs. It's only be like: HIT HIT HIT HIT JUMP

 

And besides, for games like TWEWY, you just NEED music

Well music adds up to atmosphere and I don't know what kind of brain dead zombie I would become if I played God Of War and only thing I had to listen was grunting of Kratos.

Also, good choice of music can just make situations in horror games so much more worse. 

Yeah, that all confirms what I was thinking in the end of things.  It does makes sense that though the music isn't 'necessary', it provides an atmosphere for a game that might otherwise feel lifeless.  I'd never once question it's appeal, as I might go nuts if games didn't have BGM.  I was just curious as to if there might be some sort of logical explanation, and it let me know that I was on a somewhat right track with what I was thinking.

As much of a music nerd that I am, I would like to present the opposite end of the spectrum.

 

Scenes where there is absolutely no background music at all can make scenes even better, here are a few examples. 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwBkQy9CpS0

 

Slower scenes (even if a lot is happening) seem to work really well when there is no music.

Would you like to play a game without sound?

Would you like to play a game without sound?

 

Hardly even close to what I was trying to say.  There's a difference between the overall sound of the game and the BGM.  I understand the point you're making, and I never once said that I didn't like BGM.  I was just bringing the topic up.

Makes the game more SEXY