Imagine this: you’re playing your favorite video game when suddenly, a track from your favorite OPM artist, musician, or band on the soundtrack plays. “Pinoy pride” jokes aside, there’s no doubt that the diversity of OPM music today makes it well-suited to cross over into different avenues, such as the world of gaming.
The gaming experience wouldn’t be complete without a good soundtrack, as it can add depth and emotion as you play along. We can’t help but wonder how OPM artists and musicians might bring their unique flair to the soundtracks of these beloved games. All it takes is that “what if?” moment, imagining our favorite artists lending their artistry to what makes them unique as musicians.
From Zild and BINI to Dionela and SB19, Billboard Philippines rounds up the OPM artists and bands who could bring their talents into the gaming world.
ZILD – Pokémon
ZILD, POKEMON UNITE: Courtesy of @zildbenitez, The Pokemon Company
Zild has always had a knack for experimenting with his music. From kicking off his solo career with the heavily 8-bit-inspired Homework Machine to the ’80s new wave and post-punk influences in Medisina, the 28-year-old musician can easily bring a whimsical, childlike wonder to the music of a Pokémon game. Imagine retro-inspired synths on an upbeat, coming-of-age track perfect for a trainer’s journey, or a track that instantly hypes you up for battle.
BINI – Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
BINI, MOBILE LEGENDS: BANG BANG: Courtesy of @bini_ph, Mobile Legends
BINI is always ready to bring their A-game to every song they release. What better way to feel the intensity of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang than with a high-energy pop song in the same vein as “Zero Pressure“? As one of the most popular mobile games in the country, the exhilarating 5v5 battles and clutch moments leading to victory are a perfect match for BINI. As a cherry on top, a full-on Filipino track would be even perfect, adding more to the local culture embodied both by the world of P-pop and Mobile Legends.
Ena Mori – Life is Strange
ENA MORI, LIFE IS STRANGE: Courtesy of @ena_mori, Square Enix
The Life is Strange series puts the player in the shoes of a protagonist who has the ability to travel through different timelines or rewind time. Its emotional soundtrack would be a perfect fit for Ena Mori, who’s a “rule breaker” in her own right. With her reflective songwriting and unique production style, it’s a match made in heaven. Ena’s music blends well with the coming-of-age, melodramatic, and choice-driven nature of the game.
Cup of Joe – Animal Crossing
CUP OF JOE, ANIMAL CROSSING: Photographed by Ban Naga, courtesy of Nintendo
Cup of Joe’s mellow, soothing music is a perfect fit for Animal Crossing, a game centered around the calm, mundane activities like fishing and bug catching. The peaceful atmosphere of island life aligns seamlessly with their sound. One could even argue that a reimagined version of “Tingin” would be the ideal song to listen to while enjoying the relaxed pace of island living. Perhaps, listening to an acoustic version of “Multo” might even offer a painful yet bittersweet experience while playing the game.
UNIQUE – Little Nightmares
UNIQUE, LITTLE NIGHTMARES: Courtesy of Unique Salonga, Tarsier Studios
Unique Salonga, in just three albums so far, has proven his ability to create music that is distinctly his own. It’s no doubt that he captivates listeners with his chilling and slightly haunting vocals, which are perfection to the ears. He can easily craft haunting tracks that perfectly suit the eerie and psychological tension of Little Nightmares. With the mood of a song like “Pahinga,” you can imagine an unsettling atmosphere, where Unique’s vocals bring fear and emotion to the game. A full-on experimental instrumental like “Oblivion” would also be perfect.
SB19 – Kingdom Hearts
SB19, KINGDOM HEARTS: Courtesy of @officialsb19, @kingdomhearts
The versatility of SB19 is undeniable, ranging from pop and R&B to a dash of hip-hop. The group’s powerful vocals and electrifying presence make them an excellent fit for a Kingdom Hearts soundtrack. The sky’s the limit with the game’s epic, emotionally charged world-building, perfectly matched with the sound that the Kings of P-pop offer. Their solidarity as a group—and as a band of brothers—complements the game’s varying themes of friendship, hope, and teamwork. A song like “Mapa” delivers the emotions best-suited for a video game like Kingdom Hearts.
Dionela – Grand Theft Auto
DIONELA, GRAND THEFT AUTO: Courtesy of @dionelaofficial, Rockstar Games
You’re cruising through the city when the lyrics “Hotshot running in mind nonstop vertigo” play on the car radio. Dionela’s ability to craft soulful melodies, like icing on the cake of an R&B track, makes him a perfect fit for a Grand Theft Auto game. The “Marilag” singer effortlessly shifts from fast-paced verses to groovy choruses, capturing the kind of musical variety you hear while playing GTA. Whether you’re escaping the law, completing missions, or simply exploring the vast open world, Dionela’s artistry proves why he’s one of R&B’s standout gems in OPM today
One Click Straight – WWE 2K
ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, WWE 2K25: Photographed by Karen Dela Fuente, courtesy of @wwegames
The idea of One Click Straight’s music in a WWE 2K video game might raise some eyebrows (we see you, The Rock), but OCS definitely has the edge. Their ability to genre-bend through rock-infused tracks makes them a perfect fit—whether it’s for a custom entrance theme or something playing in the background on the home screen. The world of the WWE, especially with the massive playability experience a typical WWE 2K video game offers can match well with the band’s attitude, angst, and a sense of adrenaline. A track like “Telepono” blends indie rock with pop, giving pro wrestling a fresh, modern sound instead of sticking only to classic rock.
Ben&Ben – Spiritfarer
BEN&BEN, SPIRITFARER: Courtesy of Ben&Ben, Max LL
Ben&Ben‘s music is always one for the feels and their folk-pop sound makes them a perfect match for a game like Spiritfarer. With songs that explore love, loss, and the human experience, their music fits the bittersweet tone of a game centered on guiding spirits to the afterlife, cherishing memories, and saying goodbye. It doesn’t have to be a gut-wrenching hugot track either—it’s about capturing emotion through melodies that are gentle and easy on the ears, perhaps like an acoustic version of “Pagtingin.”
Ourselves the Elves – The Legend of Zelda
OURSELVES THE ELVES, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: Courtesy of @ourselves_elves, Nintendo
Ourselves the Elves’ dreamy, introspective sound would be a magical fit for The Legend of Zelda series, especially in its quieter, more emotional moments. Take the entirety of their debut album, Self Is Universe, and imagine long walks through forests, quiet moments by the lake, or the sense of wonder that comes with discovering your next quest. There’s a reflective, almost meditative quality to Ourselves the Elves’ artistry. Their ability to bring vulnerability to their music makes them perfect for crafting a lullaby or a gentle, emotional track that could beautifully complement a Zelda game.
BLASTER – Cyberpunk 2077
BLASTER, CYBERPUNK 2077: Courtesy of @blastersilonga, CD Projekt Red
The futuristic world of Cyberpunk 2077 is brought to life with a soundtrack that blends hip-hop, techno, and even jazz. In the spirit of tracks like “O KAY GANDA,” BLASTER‘s edgy sound can easily capture the gritty, dystopian atmosphere of the game. From high-speed chases to experimenting with high-tech gadgets, intense shootouts, and combat, his music fits perfectly into the adrenaline-fueled action.
Clara Benin – Stardew Valley
CLARA BENIN, STARDEW VALLEY: Courtesy of @clarabeninmusic, Stardew Valley
Clara Benin’s indie folk-pop sound provides the perfect calm and serene melodies that fit the world of a game like Stardew Valley. Her music complements the daily routines of farming and building relationships with the townspeople. Much like Animal Crossing, the seemingly mundane activities are elevated by the accompanying music, especially with Stardew Valley, which has a soundtrack beloved by many. Cozy evenings and quiet strolls is even more soothing with a song that’s similiar to “small town” or “Parallel Universe” playing in the background.