From connecting with game developers to writing better loops, we’ve got some great advice for you to try out.
1. Download a Sample Library
The musical style of video games varies widely, so the best way to prepare for this is to get yourself a good sample library. Some libraries contain hundreds, if not thousands of virtual instruments, giving you the ultimate palette of sounds.
If you’re looking for a free sound library, the internet will produce many results, such as BandLab Sounds or Samples From Mars. Our advice would be to stick with a reputable music technology website for recommendations. Logic Pro X for Mac is another option for those who are interested in this massively popular DAW as it already comes with a huge 72GB sound library.
Of course, it’s hard to go wrong with a paid option like the EastWest sample libraries. Many veterans of the music industry use this software, but it’s also accessible if you’re just starting out. Through its subscription service, you can access a colossal 42,000+ virtual instruments.
2. Make Room for Sound Design
It can be easy to forget that a game isn’t just about the music. Sound effects are just as important in the gameplay and good composers will make room for them.
In Zero Dawn Horizon, for example, the battle sound effects are vital to helping a player respond to the action. In the scenes above you can hear short and sharp sounds of arrows flying, but also low-mid frequency thuds from the weapon hits. In response, the music keeps it simple with just a few instruments: a high drum rhythm, long drone sounds, and occasionally small flute melodies.
The music is tense to reflect the fight scene, but it cleverly doesn’t mask the sound of enemy movements or of key attacks. If you want to practice writing music underneath sound design, turn off the music in the settings of your favorite game and record a video of the gameplay. Use it to practice writing your own original soundtrack alongside the game SFX.
3. Avoid Writing Annoying Loops
When composing game music, it isn’t always your goal to write catchy melodies like you would in a pop song. If you took the melody from your favorite song on the radio and put it in a game, it will likely drive you insane. That’s because, in a game, players can sometimes go through the same section countless times trying to get past a difficult part.
Listening to old video game music will help you figure out how to write a loop that isn’t annoying. The original Crash Bandicoot is a perfect example. Most people will tell you that the music is great, but who can actually hum a single tune? Instead of aiming for catchy hit melodies, the music in Crash Bandicoot continues to be interesting because it changes musical keys and switches to different instruments.
Once you have some music that sounds interesting but won’t drive you crazy, the next step is to create a seamless loop using a DAW. Take your loop and listen to it on repeat to check that it works well in the background.
4. Use Real Instruments
Many people automatically think of synthesizers or virtual instruments when it comes to video game music, but recording real instruments can work amazingly well too. If you’re not convinced, just have a listen to the iconic soundtrack of the game The Last of Us.
The soundtrack is quite minimalist, mainly centered around an acoustic guitar. Even though it’s a horror game, the game makers chose to write something that was beautiful and atmospheric. You won’t find large orchestral music here, nor will you hear intense action themes that are common in shooting games.
You can do a lot by just recording a live instrument, and if you can’t get to a studio, there are plenty of DIY hacks to improve your home studio. If you can play an instrument, then make use of it to write music for video games.
5. Create an Emotional Journey
One of the main similarities between video game music and film scoring is the need to take people on an emotional journey. Even though there are times you need to let the SFX shine, the goal is still to make people feel something for the character, story, or world-building.
In the 8-bit style video game called Celeste, the goal is to help your character reach the top of the mountain while at the same time overcoming her anxiety. The soundtrack stands out because it mirrors the struggles and celebrations of your character as she climbs higher and higher. In fact, the music is such a feature of the game, that you can even collect B-Side Tape items that unlock different tunes.
6. Be the Biggest Video Game Fan
If you’re looking to get started, or you just need some inspiration, remember that good video game music starts with being a fan of video games. Play your favorite games, but also try out games that you don’t normally play. It’s a fantastic way to hear different types of game music that you don’t normally listen to.
Game music is also just a fantastic genre to listen to in general. There are even plenty of video game music radio websites that are perfect for having on in the background while you study or relax. Use this to your advantage to learn different ways of composing video game soundtracks.
7. Connect With Video Game Developers
Feeling confident about writing music for video games? Then take the next step and start talking to game developers. Lucrative AAA game companies are looking for people who have plenty of experience, so one of the best ways to develop your skills is to join an online forum like the IndieDev community on Reddit.
Here, you will find people from all over the globe working on small hobby projects as well as dedicated releases. It’s a great chance to ask questions of game developers or find your way onto a startup project. Practice makes perfect and working on an indie game is a great place to begin.
Start Writing Music for Video Games
If you want to compose video game music, then these tips will help get you started. The wide variety of styles of music and tools you can use means that there is room for lots of different people to give it a go. If in doubt, jump onto a game developer forum, and soon you’ll find yourself immersed in the world of video game music.
