A Guide to Making Video Game Music

Summary

This video is a comprehensive guide for both game developers looking to create music for their games and aspiring game music composers. The tutorial covers essential tips on using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), plugins, sound fonts, and the importance of context in game music creation. It walks through the process of making melodies, bass lines, and chords, emphasizing creativity over strict rules. The video also introduces game jams as a platform for practicing and collaborating with others in the field of game music composition. It’s perfect for those looking to start or improve their journey in game music composition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting to compose music for games is accessible, even without knowing music theory. Experimenting with notes can be enough to create something great.
• 😀 A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is essential for creating music, with FL Studio and Reaper being recommended options.
• 😀 There are many third-party plugins available for sound design, ranging from retro sounds to modern and realistic instruments.
• 😀 Sound fonts are great for achieving a retro game feel, with tools like the Magical 8bit Plug and NES VST being free options.
• 😀 It's important to understand the context and mood of the game scene before composing the music. The setting and character mood influence the sound.
• 😀 Starting with a specific musical scale can help narrow down your creative options and make the composition process easier.
• 😀 A/B/C song structures are useful for organizing melodies. The A section is typically the main theme, with B and C offering variations.
• 😀 A good melody should be memorable and singable. Simplicity is key – complex melodies are harder to remember.
• 😀 A leitmotif is a recurring theme tied to a character, place, or concept in the game. It can adapt to different scenes while retaining its identity.
• 😀 Basslines provide harmonic and rhythmic structure to a song, often following the root note of a chord, which helps define the song's emotional tone.
• 😀 Drums are critical for setting the rhythm and pace of the music, with different scenes requiring different intensities and rhythms for the drums.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the video?

The video aims to provide tips and advice for game developers looking to create music for their games, or for those who want to compose music for other game developers.

Is music theory necessary to create game music?

While basic music theory is highly recommended, it is not required to start making music. The speaker shares their own experience of creating music without knowing music theory, focusing on creativity instead.

What is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and why is it important?

A DAW is a software platform used to create, edit, and produce music. It is essential for composing music, and the speaker mentions FL Studio and Reaper as examples, with Reaper offering a 60-day free trial.

Can you create retro-style music for games without a big budget?

Yes, the speaker recommends free plugins such as the NES VST and the Magical 8bit Plug for retro sounds. For those willing to spend money, Super Audio K is suggested as a great choice for retro music.

What is the significance of soundfonts in game music creation?

Soundfonts are collections of sound files used to produce different instrument sounds. They are especially useful for creating music with a retro or specific character theme, such as the style found in Undertale and Earthbound.

Why is context important when creating game music?

The setting, mood, and environment in the game influence the type of music you should create. For example, a haunted house scene might require eerie music, but the mood of the characters can change how the music is composed.

How should you begin composing a game track?

The video suggests starting small and not worrying about the final composition. Composers can begin by selecting a scale, creating a melody, or experimenting with chords or drums.

What is the ABAC structure in melody writing?

The ABAC structure is a way to organize a melody into four sections. Section A is the main theme, B offers variation, A repeats the main theme, and C introduces a new theme. This structure helps keep the melody interesting and memorable.

What is a leitmotif and how is it used in game music?

A leitmotif is a recurring melody associated with a character, place, or object. It can change to match the mood of different scenes but still retain its connection to the original theme, enhancing emotional depth in game music.

How do bass and harmony contribute to game music composition?

Bass provides both the rhythmic and harmonic foundation for a track. Harmony is created by playing multiple notes together, often following the root note of a chord. The bass helps define the mood of the song and complements the melody.

What role do drums play in game music?

Drums define the rhythm and pace of a song. Fast-paced drums are often used for battle themes, while slower, quieter drums are suited for more relaxed or atmospheric scenes. The right drum pattern is essential to match the game's theme.

What is a game jam and how can composers participate?

A game jam is an event where participants are given a theme and must create a game around it within a set time frame. Composers can join teams to create music for these games, and many game jams welcome beginners or focus specifically on music creation.