The popularity of gaming has been on the rise over the last decades. It has always been a popular hobby, but it is now officially reaching new highs and breaking new records.
Many people now prefer to stay in and have a gaming night with their friends rather than go out and spend a lot of money for a less enjoyable experience. But why is this trend growing?
We’ll start by discussing some of the reasons behind the rising popularity of at home gaming nights. We’ll then talk about fun elements you can add to your gaming night such as making a heavy metal playlist for the event.
Why are gaming nights growing in popularity?
There are a number of reasons behind this trend. Here are some of the most common and influential ones:
- There is an incredible amount of games to choose from
Nowadays, players have access to board games, video games, VR and AR games, mobile games, casino games and many more. They have a range of gaming devices and gaming options to choose from. These online casinos that feature slots even have games based on famous heavy metal bands such as Guns N Roses and Motorhead to give an extra kick to your night.
There are many genres available to players with an impressive number of games in each category.
The range of options have made gaming extremely attractive to both experienced and new players. There is now something for everyone.
- The cost-of-living crisis
Gaming is also an affordable hobby and activity to share with friends. Many games are either available for free or can be purchased at a reasonable price.
With the current inflation and cost-of-living crisis, gaming has become a great option.
It gives individuals the opportunity to see their friends and have fun without spending too much.
- It offers a comfortable and intimate experience
Gaming nights give hosts and guests more control over their gaming environment. They can really catch up with their friends, sit down comfortably and have a more relaxed evening.
Nights out are usually the complete opposite. Individuals have less control over their environment and the spaces tend to feel too crowded or too loud.
This makes it hard for a group of friends to properly catch up. It creates a less intimate, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Elements to add to your game night
Why not make heavy metal the theme of your next game night?
Here are some of the things you could bring or include in your next game night to make it even more enjoyable and entertaining:
- a heavy metal playlist (as we’ll discuss later on)
- heavy metal snacks and drinks
- heavy metal-themed lighting and decorations
- heavy metal t-shirts and accessories
- heavy metal-themed games (e.g., Guitar Hero, Doom, the Metal Gear series)
You could even combine game night and night out by going to a heavy metal concert or event after your game.
The perfect heavy metal playlist for your gaming night
Here are some of the best tracks to add to your playlist.
Let’s start with some of the 70s and 80s classics. Your guests will probably be expecting some of them in your playlist, so make sure to include at least a few of them:
- ‘Black Sabbath’ by Black Sabbath (1970)
- ‘Master of Puppets’ by Metallica (1986)
- ‘Ace of Spades’ by Motörhead (1980)
- ‘Breaking the Law’ by Judas Priest (1980)
- ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne (1980)
- ‘War Pigs’ by Black Sabbath (1970)
- ‘Iron Man’ by Black Sabbath (1970)
- ‘Raining Blood’ by Slayer (1986)
- ‘Holy Diver’ by Dio (1983)
- ‘Run to the Hills’ by Iron Maiden (1982)
Let’s now include some of the most iconic tracks from the 90s. Why not pick a few from the list below:
- ‘Peace Sells’ by Megadeth (1992)
- ‘Holy Wars… the Punishment Due’ by Megadeth (1990)
- ‘Walk’ by Pantera (1992)
- ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica (1991)
- ‘Mother’ by Danzig (1998)
- ‘Killing in the Name’ by Rage Against the Machine (1992)
How about a few from the 2000s as well?Some of these might not be considered heavy metal per say but have strong heavy metal roots and inspirations.
- ‘The Wicker Man’ by Iron Maiden (2000)
- ‘Papercut’ by Linkin Park (2000)
- The Fight Song’ by Marilyn Manson (2000)
- ‘Down with the Sickness’ by Disturbed (2000)
- ‘Dig’ by Mudvayne (2000)
- ‘Boiler’ by Limp Bizkit (2000)
- ‘Blood and Thunder’ by Mastodon (2004)
- ‘My Last Serenade’ by Killswitch Engage (2002)
- ‘Blessed Black Wings’ by High on Fire (2005)
And finally, add some of your favorite 21st century metal bands. Some of the newer heavy metal music artists might include:
- Power Trip
- Shinedown
- BABYMETAL
- Suicide Silence
- Fit for an Autopsy
- Bloodywood
- Periphery
- Ghost
- and many more!
Final thoughts
We hope these lists helped you find inspiration for your own heavy metal playlist. You can share your playlist with your friends and make it collaborative so they can add their own favorite heavy metal tracks to the mix.
Have fun and enjoy!
