Soundtracks and ambient music are powerful tools for game design, as they can enhance the mood, atmosphere, and emotions of your game. In this article, you will learn how to use soundtracks and ambient music to create a memorable game experience, by following some tips and examples from different game genres and storytelling techniques.
Soundtracks and ambient music are not just background noises, but integral parts of your game design. They can help you convey the tone, theme, and style of your game, as well as support the narrative, gameplay, and immersion. Soundtracks and ambient music can also create contrast, tension, and surprise, by changing the tempo, volume, and mood according to the situation and context. For example, a horror game can use a sudden silence or a loud scream to scare the player, while a puzzle game can use a soothing melody or a catchy tune to reward the player.
Create a memorable game experience with soundtracks and ambient music by tailoring them to the game's atmosphere and emotional tone. Use consistent themes, dynamic adaptation, and interactive elements to immerse players in the experience. Employ distinctive audio cues, integrate seamlessly with sound design, and collaborate with composers for a cohesive and impactful auditory journey.
One of the most iconic examples I can give regarding the importance of the soundtrack and ambient music in a game is what is known in the community as "Boss Music". When players are roaming an open world they are listening to the ambient music which is usually related to the environment around them to increase player immersion. What happens when a suspenseful soundtrack starts playing? The player immediately is more vigilant. "There's a boss fight here. What does the boss look like? What abilities do they have? How should I play this? Am I ready to face it?" All these questions come rushing in to the player and this rush causes a sudden peak in engagement and imagination.
The soundtrack strengthens what the player sees on the screen, creates an immersive atmosphere in the game, and sometimes draws attention to events, like the player obtaining something important (weapon, health, crafting material), or it's a danger hiding nearby.
Soundtracks and ambient music can be divided into different types, based on their purpose and effect. Adaptive soundtracks change dynamically according to the player's choices, environment, and actions, such as a stealth game which uses a calm and quiet music when the player is hidden and a tense and loud music when the player is detected. Interactive soundtracks respond to the player's input, like a rhythm game which uses a music that matches the player's timing, speed, and accuracy. Generative soundtracks are created randomly or algorithmically, like a procedural game which uses a music that varies depending on the level, biome, and difficulty. On the other hand, linear soundtracks are fixed and predefined, such as a cinematic game which uses a music that follows the script, cutscenes, and dialogue.
I think game soundtracks are divided into these types of music: - Event-linked music (obtain something, victory, defeat, etc...) - Combat music - Ambient/atmosphere music - Menu/Loading music - The music of special locations - "Danger in nearby" music - Cutscene music The soundtrack compositions are capable of building both horizontally and vertically. Vertical construction involves variations with fewer/more instruments, while horizontal construction signifies the continuation of specific tracks.
Soundtracks and ambient music are composed of different elements, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and texture. Each element plays a role in affecting the perception, emotion, and cognition of the player. For instance, melody can be used to create identity, recognition, and association; harmony can be used to create contrast, balance, and tension; rhythm can be used to create movement, energy, and excitement; timbre can be used to create variety, texture, and mood; and texture can be used to create depth, complexity, and richness. For example, a character or location can have a distinctive melody that represents their personality or mood. A major chord can sound happy and bright while a minor chord can sound sad and dark. A fast rhythm can sound upbeat and lively while a slow rhythm can sound calm and relaxing. A piano can sound soft and gentle while a guitar can sound hard and rough. And a solo can sound simple and clear while a chorus can sound complex and full.
- Melody A memorable melody can make memorable the part of the game, such as characters and locations. - Chord progression The chord progression adds atmosphere to the game. - Time signature The time signature is crucial because for example 4/4 and 6/8 make a completely different mood and atmosphere. - Tempo I think it's probably the most obvious. A melody with two different tempos could have a completely different meaning. - Orchestration The orchestration mostly depends on the genre and the style of the game.
Soundtracks and ambient music can be categorized into different genres, depending on their style, origin, and influence. Classical music, for instance, is inspired by the music of the classical period, such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. It is usually characterized by the use of orchestral instruments and can evoke a sense of elegance and grandeur. Rock music, on the other hand, is inspired by the music of the rock and roll movement and is usually characterized by electric guitars, bass, drums, and vocals. It can create a sense of energy and attitude. Lastly, electronic music is inspired by the music of the electronic and digital era. It is typically characterized by synthesizers, keyboards, samplers, and computers and can create a sense of innovation and futurism. All these genres can be used in video games to enhance their theme or setting.
Without claiming to be exhaustive, I think these musical genres exist in terms of soundtracks: - 8bit sound - classical - ethnic or ethnic with symphonic orchestra - hybrid orchestral (synthesizers with orchestra) - electronic - atmospheric/ambient
Soundtracks and ambient music can be found in many games, and each game can have its own unique and memorable sound design. For example, The Legend of Zelda is known for its iconic and memorable soundtracks and ambient music, composed by Koji Kondo and others. This game series uses a variety of elements, types, and genres to create a sense of adventure, fantasy, and wonder; the main theme is a catchy and heroic melody that represents the spirit of the game, while the dungeon theme is a tense and mysterious music that creates a sense of challenge and danger. Silent Hill is known for its disturbing and atmospheric soundtracks and ambient music, composed by Akira Yamaoka and others. This game series uses a mix of adaptive, interactive, generative, and linear types to create a sense of horror, suspense, and psychological terror; the radio static is a interactive and generative sound that reacts to the presence of enemies, while the siren is a linear and adaptive sound that signals the transition to the nightmare world. Lastly, Journey is known for its beautiful and emotional soundtracks and ambient music, composed by Austin Wintory. This game uses a adaptive and interactive type to create a sense of exploration, discovery, and connection; the cello is a interactive and adaptive instrument that responds to the player's movement, while the flute is a interactive and adaptive instrument that responds to the player's communication.
Some things to consider with the soundtrack and ambient music and incorporating into our game is also making sure that our music choices are cohesive with the feeling and emotions we want the players to experience. An example for ambient music is the FNAF games where ambience is either an ally or enemy to the player in being key factors to the player’s progress to the game. Another example for soundtrack music is the Last of Us series, where music plays a key factor in the cutscenes in helping our player feel emotionally immersed in the experience of the game and of the character. An exercise I do is play a game in a similar genre as the one i’m creating, and only pay attention to the sound, whether it be large or small details.