Ryan Thompson, an assistant professor of media and information at Michigan State University (MSU), has leveraged the power of Twitch to connect video games, music, and academia.His journey began in 2017 as an academic experiment, evolving into a successful streaming project known as "Ludomusicology Thursdays," focusing on the intersection of video game music and sound.
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msutoday.msu.eduInitially intended as a short-term project to enhance a conference presentation, the streaming sessions quickly gained traction.By the end of the initial six-week period, Thompson and his colleagues found themselves immersed in the project, which now serves as a platform for community building and public musicology.
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msutoday.msu.eduThe stream explores various aspects of video game music while providing insights into the experiences of early- to mid-career faculty in the humanities.
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msutoday.msu.eduThompson also developed a course at MSU called MI 334: Esports Broadcasting, teaching students how to produce multi-camera, multi-source broadcasts similar to those he creates for Twitch.In this course, students learn to operate the necessary software and create videos while discussing how online streaming has reshaped media relationships, both in gaming and beyond.
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msutoday.msu.eduThis practical approach emphasizes the importance of public performance skills, as students practice commentary while gaming, a skill crucial for success in the streaming environment.
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msutoday.msu.eduThe Twitch stream has grown from a simple academic initiative to a significant community resource, featuring guests from various sectors of the gaming and music industries, including scholars, fans, and musicians.The collaborative nature of the platform has allowed for real-time dialogue, making the stream an effective teaching tool adopted by courses nationwide.
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msutoday.msu.eduIn 2021 and 2022, the stream participated in VGMTogether, a fully virtual convention, and received nominations for notable awards, including a Game Audio Network Guild Award for Best Game Audio Presentation in 2025.
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msutoday.msu.eduThe recognition highlights the impact of merging academic rigor with public engagement, as Thompson and his team offer insights into the cultural significance of video game music.
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msutoday.msu.eduSimilarly, Jonathan Ong, a concert pianist and Twitch streamer, embraces the platform's potential for artistic expression and audience interaction.His performances often include improvised covers of anime and video game soundtracks, allowing him to connect with fans in innovative ways.
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music.usc.eduOng views Twitch as a digital revolution for musicians, enabling them to collaborate with their audience and experiment with new forms of content creation.
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music.usc.eduBoth Thompson and Ong exemplify how Twitch is reshaping traditional academic and artistic landscapes.The platform serves as a bridge between entertainment and education, fostering communities where knowledge and creativity can flourish.As Thompson continues to stream weekly episodes and engage with industry experts, he invites audiences to join the conversation about the evolving role of music in gaming and its broader cultural implications.
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msutoday.msu.eduThe success of initiatives like "Ludomusicology Thursdays" and Ong's streams underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in academia and the arts.By embracing these new mediums, educators and artists alike can reach wider audiences and create meaningful connections, ultimately enriching the fields of study they represent.
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msutoday.msu.edumusic.usc.eduAs streaming continues to gain popularity, it will be essential for academic institutions and artists to adapt to this evolving landscape.The fusion of video games, music, and academic discourse on platforms like Twitch not only enhances learning opportunities but also builds vibrant communities around shared interests and passions.
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msutoday.msu.eduIn conclusion, the intersection of video games, music, and academia on Twitch illustrates a significant shift in how knowledge is shared and appreciated in the digital age.Through innovative projects and collaborations, educators like Ryan Thompson and artists such as Jonathan Ong are redefining the boundaries of their fields and making learning accessible and engaging for a new generation.
