Aesthetics of Fondly Reminisced Chiptunes

The broad and multifaceted nature of chiptune aesthetics is acknowledged in the existing literature. However, these prior accounts would greatly benefit from triangulation studies that aim for coherent descriptions that are based on and supported by extensive empirical analyses. Through a qualitative empirical approach, this article seeks to formulate such an account that is able to integrate existing theoretical discussions on chiptune aesthetics. Drawing on pragmatist and enactive views on art and experience, the study conducted an investigation of 183 personal narratives of fond game music memories, almost half of which included discussion about chiptunes. By a qualitative content analysis process on the data, the study identified six dimensions of aesthetic involvement (nostalgia, canonization, objectification, experientiality, identity construction, musical agency) that reflect how chiptune music is described and remembered. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into understanding how individuals engage with chiptune music and acknowledging the various aesthetic dimensions associated with this engagement. This research may help shape future studies on music aesthetics and advance our understanding of the role of music in everyday experiences.