Do you listen to other music while you game?

[Bootaaay]

I'll play custom music over any game that doesn't have a good soundtrack and doesn't really require my concentration - Dynasty Warriors Empires for example, i'll just chuck on some Pantera or Opeth while wasting hours with Dynasty Warriors. However, if i'm playing an FPS online like Call of Duty, or i'm playing a shmup then i'll stick with whatever's being played in-game as I need to concentrate.

[randombullseye]

I do this too! Only instead of music, I usually listen to talk radio or podcasts.

If I'm playing a game for the first time, I usually do like to listen to the in game music and sound effects to see what they've got going on. But if its something I've already played to death, I don't really care unless it's something really catchy or has sound effects I liked. Like Legend of Kage or Buck Rodgers, I'll never get that music out of my head.

Often when I write about games, music and sound design are the least of my concern. Unless something is horrible or amazing, I don't really care.

[fastbilly1]

Console games, usually no
PC games, especially multiplayer ones, I usually watch a movie while playing. In Guild Wars it got bad when I was playing it with Ack and some others right after it launched. I would just run off for reasons they couldnt understand because I watching some engrossing film. Or playing another game. I am notorious for playing a TBS or second grind game at the same time as a MMO.

[Incognito D]

I'm the sort of person that can really get into a good game soundtrack and if I like it I'll download the soundtrack and that sort of thing, so I very very rarely turn the sound down and listen to music while I play.
However, an exception is if the music is so horrible, like in Pokémon Colosseum (god damn, that music!) I'll turn it down and stick on a CD.

Or playing another game. I am notorious for playing a TBS or second grind game at the same time as a MMO.

[J T]

I don't feel like I'm getting the full experience of the game as intended if I don't listen to the original music and sound effects. I don't like to play with other music on.

[fast]

Funny.

Its the curse of trying to become ambidexterous and having two pcs next to eachother.

[MrPopo]

I've only done it in Starcraft/Warcraft multiplayer, where the music is just giving you ambiance anyway. Plus, I heard enough of it while playing through the single player campaigns.

[toredauei]

I suppose I feel like you're not missing out on anything by listening to your music if you've played through the game multiple times, I mean you've already heard what the game has to offer. There is really only so many times you can hear the mario bros music without going crazy.

[Raziel]

No, as it detracts from the overall experience. I do read sometimes, though, for example, when playing turn-based strategy games or "slow" empire builders (Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis). Helps to save time.

I suppose I feel like you're not missing out on anything by playing the game again if you've played through the game multiple times, I mean you've already played what the game has to offer. There is really only so many times you can jump over the same obstacles in mario without going crazy.

[DCsegaDH]

I sometimes listen to punk music while I play PS2 games except for GTA 3 & GTA San Andreas,they have an awesome soundtrack