How To Use Music In Games

[CoolZidane]

This was something I posted in that community thread, and I thought it was something I ought to expand on.

Music in games is sometimes looked at as an afterthought. You make the game and just slap on some music from other games. The thing is that music is an essential part of the game. It enhances the atmosphere and, if done right, can make the story that much better.

Your best bet is to do custom music if you can. This whole tutorial is going to focus on writing custom music. Not how to write it, how to use it.

When it comes to music, I think one very important thing to do is to
establish themes or motifs. That is, a musical phrase that is linked with a certain character, place, etc.

If you've played Final Fantasy 6, you'll notice that each character's theme plays when you get the chance to name them. If you listen to music throughout the game, you'll notice the themes crop up in different styles in scenes pertaining to the characters. Similarly, in Final Fantasy 7, Aerith's theme can be heard in the final dungeon, representing part of their motivation to continue on.

This is very important for a game because it can add depth to the game. Let's say, for example, the hero and villain are brothers who split down the two paths years ago at a literal split in the path. The music in the flashback could contain a musical theme, which is heard more noticeably with the hero's theme later. However, the same theme goes with the villain, although his version is probably in a minor key with some other slight variations.

To score a game, it's best to work in this order:

1. Character themes (Important NPC's and villains included)
2. Themes for important story elements (Like a theme for the mystical jewels that the characters collect, if you'll pardon the cliche)
3. Location music
4. Battle Music
5. Scene-specific music (background music for a certain scene)

Character themes can be written once the characters are planned out, making them the first pieces of music to write. Themes for important story elements go with this, I suppose.

Once locations have been established and the composers figure out the feel of the areas, then music for those places can be written.

Battle music should wait until the battle system has been established so that the music fits the battles. The other advantage is that with special boss music, you can work in the villain's theme that has already been established previously with the character themes.

Scene-specific music in a game is best left until the scene in question is well-underway in production so that the composer can really get into the feel.


But even if you don't use custom music and use stuff from other RPG's, the above still applies. Find music that has multiple variations for character themes. You can still work some connection in the music with non-original material.

Overall, music can be as complex a department as some of the other parts of the game, but if it's done right, it can not only enhance the game, but the story as well.

[aboutasoandthis]

I completely disagree with you. Nevertheless, it was a very well written tutorial.

[coasterkrazy]

There are parts I agree with and parts I don't agree with. I like what you mention about character themes and their usage, but I disagree with some of the premises of your ordering ideas.