Minecraft music joins National Recording Registry to become a part of U.S. cultural history

The ambient, soothing melodies of Minecraft are now officially a piece of American cultural history. The original soundtrack of the game Minecraft: Volume Alpha, a composed track by the German artist Daniel Rosenfeld (C418), has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. It’s an honor that’s reserved for the recordings that shape the audio heritage of the nation.


The soundtrack of Minecraft stands out for its atmospheric and minimalist tones that perfectly complement the open-ended creativity of the game. Unlike the traditional video game scores, the C418 compositions were designed to be subtle. It was meant to enhance the players' experience without overpowering it. Some tracks, like Moog City and Sweden, evoke nostalgia for millions who grew up exploring the pixelated, blocky world of Minecraft.
The current addition marks only the 2nd time the video game soundtrack made it to the registry, following the Super Mario Bros. in 2023. This inclusion highlights how video game music evolved over into a legitimate art form, transcending interactive origins to become part of a broader cultural memory.

The C418 work on the Minecraft game did not just define the game. It influenced the entire generation of music. The ambient style of the soundtrack paved the way for the chillwave and lo-fi hip-hop genres, which dominate relaxation and study playlists today. The gamers quite often describe the music as comforting, a perfect digital campfire song for the blocky world.

With over 350 million Minecraft copies sold, the game remains to be one of the best-selling ever. Its music is now enshrined right alongside some American classics, ensuring its legacy would endure far and beyond the game in itself. For the players who hear those familiar piano notes now, remember, it is not just nostalgia now. It is history.

Moving beyond, the 2025 National Recording Registry class is not just about Minecraft music. It is a star-studded lineup featuring Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, the original cast recording of Hamilton Broadway, and My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Even Windows 95 startup Chime, a composition by Brian Eno, made the cut. It proved that even everyday sounds can hold some cultural significance.
Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, called the registry "our evolving nation’s playlist," while emphasizing how these recordings reflect upon the diverse history of America. From the country classic Kiss an Angel Good Mornin by Charley Pride to the jazz fusion masterpiece Bitches Brew by Miles Davis, the registry selections span across eras, genres, and emotions.