VGM File – What is .vgm file and how to open it?
VGM File Extension
Video Game Music File – file format by N/A
VGM (Video Game Music File) is a file format used for storing music data from video games. It is a container format that can hold audio data in a variety of formats, including PCM, ADPCM, and MIDI. VGM files are often used for preserving and sharing video game music, as they can be played on a variety of platforms.
Overview of VGM Files
VGM (Video Game Music File) is a proprietary audio file format specifically designed to store and playback music from a variety of video game consoles and arcade systems. This file format was created by the Japanese software developer Shiru and is widely used by video game music enthusiasts and preservationists. VGM files are not commonly encountered by the general public but hold significant value within the video game music community.
Technical Characteristics of VGM Files
VGM files are characterized by their ability to accurately reproduce the original audio output of the source hardware. They contain not only the raw audio data but also metadata that defines the hardware and sound chip settings used to create the music. This approach ensures that the music is played back with the same timbres, effects, and nuances as intended by the game developers. VGM files are typically large in size, as they contain uncompressed audio data, but they are lossless, ensuring that the original audio quality is preserved.
Opening VGM Files on Windows
For Windows users, one of the most straightforward options for opening VGM files is to use an open-source tool called VGMPlay. This lightweight program is designed specifically for playing VGM files and supports a wide range of game console formats. Once VGMPlay is installed, you can simply drag and drop VGM files onto the program’s window to begin playback. Alternatively, you can open VGM files from within the program using the File Open option.
Another popular option for Windows is Winamp, a versatile media player that supports a multitude of audio and video formats. To open VGM files in Winamp, you may need to install the Nullsoft VGM Plugin. This plugin provides Winamp with the necessary codec to decode and play VGM files. Once the plugin is installed, you can open VGM files by selecting them in the Winamp file browser or by dragging and dropping them onto the Winamp window.
Opening VGM Files on Mac and Linux
Mac and Linux users have a slightly more limited selection of options for opening VGM files. One cross-platform option is Audacious, an open-source audio player that supports a variety of audio formats, including VGM. To open VGM files in Audacious, you can simply drag and drop them onto the program’s window or use the File Open option. Audacious does not require any additional plugins to play VGM files.
Another option for Mac users is to use the built-in QuickTime Player application. QuickTime Player supports VGM playback natively, but you may need to install a codec pack such as Perian or VLC Media Player to ensure compatibility with all VGM file types. Once the codec pack is installed, you can open VGM files in QuickTime Player by dragging and dropping them onto the program’s window or by selecting them using the File Open option.
VGM File Format
VGM is a lossless audio file format specifically designed to preserve and archive video game music. Developed by Shiru, it encapsulates audio data from various video game consoles and platforms, including Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super NES (SNES), Sega Genesis, and Game Boy. VGM files accurately represent the original audio by capturing channel-specific data, such as waveforms, panning, and volume. This preservation method ensures that the music can be replayed on different platforms without compromising its authenticity.
Usage and Compatibility
VGM files have gained popularity within the video game music community as they provide a reliable and accessible way to share and listen to game soundtracks. Numerous software applications support VGM playback, including emulators, media players, and dedicated VGM players. The format’s compatibility extends to various operating systems, allowing users to enjoy their favorite video game music across different devices. Additionally, VGM files are often used in archival projects to preserve and document the history of video game music.