About

The objective of Lost VGM is to highlight lesser-known video game music. Soundtracks that were not officially published are the main focus as they are usually not as promoted and popular compared to those released on CD or digitally. Information pages about these are being built and added regularly, which contain details on the games of origin, the composers, and the music itself. Furthermore, download links and preview samples are included. The soundtracks are served mostly in the form of fan-made game rips; music extracted or recorded directly from the games. In addition to game rips, there is a smaller portion of the coverage dedicated to official albums, yet only those that are out of print (“lost” in other words). They are presented in a similar fashion and should be supported in being discovered by new ears or refreshed in familiar ones.

The current plan is to schedule updates on a weekly basis. There are however two different types of updates, posted in alternation. The first features five game rips and the second, four game rips and an official album. The aim is not to become a pirate’s den by listing tons of downloads. Each soundtrack is carefully selected and accompanied by a considerable amount of information.

Concerning audio formats, MP3 (LAME -V 2 –vbr-new) is favored, which provides great sound quality at a reasonable file size. Files extracted from games that are already encoded are usually kept as is to preserve quality. Likewise for contributor rips that are encoded differently. For albums, a FLAC encode is included as well when possible. All files are tagged as best as possible.

Lost VGM does not want to offend or harm any composer or copyright holder by distributing music on the Web. The goal of sharing the files is to help people in finding obscure game music that would most likely be forgotten otherwise. To keep the memories and fun alive. No money is generated out of it. No music currently purchasable will be shared. To reduce the risks of negative impacts, the music from a game will not be posted before a delay of two years after its release, and for albums, a delay of five years and an out of print status. If you are a copyright holder and would prefer the music to be removed, please contact me and actions will promptly be taken in that direction.

Alternatively, composers are invited to contribute in any possible way, be it by providing info or soundtracks still not featured, or upgrading ones already posted. Visitors are also welcome to contribute by providing new game rips or album encodes, quality upgrades, identifying unknown tracks or composers, and participating in the discussions.

As this is still the first days of Lost VGM, you can expect things to build up from here. Don’t hesitate to offer feedback and suggestions; they will be considered attentively. I hope this project is one that pikes your curiosity and that you will find time to follow it.

-Rimo