Something often overlooked in games is the music. Recently, its importance has steadily grown on me. Skyrim, for example, probably wouldn’t even be half the game it is without the epic sound track. The composer of Skyrim’s sweeping scores, Jeremy Soule, recently had this to say about Nintendo’s failing systems:
"It’s amazing how something so basic and germane to a game company’s success can be so overlooked. The article didn’t touch on one of the most central problems; music. For years, Nintendo had handicapped their music by not having the capacity for streaming audio. Real orchestras and top notch production were considered unnecessary, and composers were forced to utilize on-board and low quality synthesizer chips. As a result, the quality of Nintendo’s music has suffered for years. And, they’re solidly in last place. Let’s face it, when people who don’t know games think of video game music, they reference and make fun of Nintendo. “beep, boop ba boop”
Music has a greater impact than most game execs are willing to acknowledge. Companies that don’t see the value of music always lose.
And Nintendo, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I spoke to one of your chief architects in my office at Squaresoft in the years of the N64. You didn’t listen to me then, and now look… Your music has been the worst.
I have also heard that it has been a struggle for Koji Kondo to secure the commitments for professional players, let alone orchestras. Nintendo has a “company” orchestra where members of the development team who also happen to be amateur musicians. A noble effort. But why does one of the most commercially successful composers in the business have to struggle for resources? It’s just crazy.
You may have other problems, but get your music right or go home Nintendo."
Needless to say, music is quintessential, and I believe in a game like this, proper music can heighten the immersion factor by tons! Though the art may be simple, the developers have embarked on an epic undertaking, daring to produce a game of near limitless possibilities.
It deserves proper music.
It doesn’t cost a lot either. As we all remember, Jeremy Soule originally wanted $10,000 to produce his own symphony. He got $100,000.
@Tom I vote that one of the next kickstarter stretch goals be for an expanded and improved sound track. It might just take the game from great to perfection.
What do ya’ll think? Is music as important as I’m making it out to be, or not? What sort of music do you aspire to have in the game? Sweeping orchestral scores, or perhaps something more playful? Maybe some bizzare combination of both? Let’s here some discussion on music!
While we’re at it… is music going to be modable too?
(just saying)
