Fusing Music and Gaming: Chris Rogers' Journey Developing Original Music for Arizona Lottery's Lucky Lounge

By Chris Rogers, Arizona Lottery Deputy Director of Marketing and Products?

Imagine a nightclub with no music, a street with no noise or an airport with no overhead announcements. Music matters, and sounds contribute to experiences, including gaming. Innovation and creativity are essential to captivate and engage players in the ever-evolving gaming industry landscape. I have witnessed the power of harnessing the intersection of music and gaming to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience as Deputy Director of Marketing and Products at the Arizona Lottery,?

I’m a musician at my core, and in my professional role I’ve been able to find harmony in the meeting of music and gaming, drawing from my personal experience and passion for music as much as product development and marketing. I’ve applied this in my work for the Arizona Lottery by successfully incorporating my original music in our online gaming sweepstakes, Lucky Lounge.

But why does the music matter? Music has the ability to evoke emotions. It has the ability to transport us to different worlds, and leave an impact on our memories. I’ve come to appreciate how much of an impact it can have, because it has been a lifelong passion. With over four decades of playing the guitar, my musical journey started in a punk band in elementary school, and I played in my first live show in 7th grade. There, I discovered the power of music, sparking a desire to explore its limitless potential. As I transitioned into the marketing and gaming industry, I recognized an exciting opportunity to merge my musical expertise with my role at the Arizona Lottery.

Lucky Lounge, our online gaming sweepstakes, presented the ideal venue to infuse original music. Inspired by genres such as Western Swing, '80s Dance, New Wave, and New Age, I began creating music that complemented the gameplay and transported players to a unique and immersive world. You will hear a song I wrote called "High Noon for Hoot Gibson," which serves as the music for the Windfall Willie game in Lucky Lounge. The title of the song was inspired by a remarkable Warrington Colescott lithograph from 1968.

Cohesion is paramount. And in gaming, every element contributes to creating a cohesive and captivating environment. The Arizona Lottery reflects the uniqueness of the desert southwest and the people who live here. Original music is a way that we can create auditory cues to enhance the Lucky Lounge experience and brand further. We’re not just offering a game to our players, we’re offering an experience.?

In my role leading marketing and product development at the Arizona Lottery, the integration of original music into Lucky Lounge has been a success. Since the platform launch, players have enjoyed more than 10.3 million game plays - an indicator that they’re enjoying the tunes! When asked about the possibility of composing more music for future Arizona Lottery products and promotions, my enthusiasm has been unwavering.?

For those interested in exploring my music outside of Lucky Lounge, I invite you to join me and my band, Lottie and the Lizards. Currently, we are in the final stages of recording, but we occasionally perform. During our performances, you can experience the song "High Noon for Hoot Gibson," live!

Thank you for joining me on this journey where music and gaming intertwine, creating immersive experiences that resonate with players. As we continue to push boundaries and explore new avenues, let us embrace the union of music and gaming, opening doors to limitless possibilities.?

Visit AZLuckyLounge.com to start playing and listening today.