Summer Game Fest 2026 is over, so it’s time to rank the showcase waiting room music

The one thing every big Summer Game Fest showcase had in common this year was a pre-show countdown with some kind of countdown music on loop for about 30 minutes. We’ve all heard most of it before. Sony’s rolled out the same garish State of Play music for at least a year or longer at this point. But these kinds of showcases rarely happen so close together, so the only logical thing to do with these thoughts about pre-show music is to rank each one, from worst to best.

4

Sony’s State of Play

Ew, no. Just… no. The State of Play’s melody is hectic and discordant, and the synth beeps and boops are far too loud and high-pitched for absolutely no reason. There was a small period of downtime where the vibes chilled out, before the horribleness started again. With noise this distinct, you need to give people a bit more breathing room before it all comes crashing in again. It’s just not something that makes me think “wow, I want to stick around and see what’s next.”

3

Summer Game Fest

The biggest crime Summer Game Fest’s pre-show music makes is that it’s generic. Like, it’s not bad. But it’s hard to distinguish it from, say, literally any other guitar riffs inspired by the MTV of the ’90s, and the groovy beach additions are a little tacky. One of the things that people routinely love about The Game Awards is the orchestral medley before the Game of the Year winner is named. A similar medley representing some of what’s ahead in the Summer Game Fest showcase seems like a logical extension of that and, if it’s arranged well, could even help get people more excited to stick around for the whole thing. I expected Final Fantasy 7 Revelation to show up. But if I’d heard a rendition of Aerith’s theme or even just a smidge of it? I’d have instantly felt excited for what’s to come.

And if licensing is an issue, hey, maybe just offer a discount on those massively expensive trailer slots in exchange for a limited-time use of licensed music.

2

Xbox Games Showcase

This is a ranked list, and I can’t make a tie, but in my heart, the Xbox Games Showcase’s music is essentially tied with SGF. It’s just as generic, but in a different direction — EZ listening for people who fondly remember their nights at the club, but are far too tired to ever go back again.

1

Nintendo Direct

The Nintendo Direct countdown music was a balm for my tired, sad ears. Low-key, relaxing, comparatively simple — everything you could do to ensure I’d keep the tab open and unmuted and, ergo, not miss when the stream started. It’s no great surprise Nintendo does this better than the competition. The company has delivered some truly great interstitial bangers over the years that are far, far more memorable than they ever needed to be, like the Mii Channel tune and the Wii Shop theme. Watching the mix of squishy and solid objects rolling along the screen, unbothered, was oddly soothing, too.

So well done, Nintendo. In the fictitious award category I just made up for best pre-show music, you win.