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“This book is a must read for newcomers and experienced composers wanting to learn more about the art of video game composition.”
—Chuck Doud, Director of Music, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios
All You Need to Know to Create Great Video Game Music
Written by the developer of Berklee School of Music’s pioneering game scoring program, this guide covers everything professional composers and music students need to know about composing interactive music for video games, and contains exclusive tools for interactive scoring—tools that were previously available only at Berklee.
Drawing on twenty years of professional experience in the game industry, Michael Sweet helps you master the unique language of music storytelling in games. Next, he walks you through the entire music composition process, from initial conceptualization and creative direction through implementation.
Inside, you’ll find dozens of examples that illustrate adaptive compositional techniques, from small downloadable games to multimillion dollar console titles. In addition, this guide covers the business side of video game composition, sharing crucial advice about contracts, pricing, sales, and marketing.
Coverage includes
The companion website contains software tools to help you master interactive music concepts explored in this book, with additional resources and links to learn more about scoring for games. See Appendix A for details.
Part I: Scoring for Games
Chapter 1 The Language of Music Storytelling in Games
Chapter 2 Breaking Down Interactive Music
Chapter 3 Spotting the Game
Chapter 4 Working with a Game Development Team
Chapter 5 Historical Perspective of Experimental Music by Non-Digital Composers including Aleatoric, Chance Music, and Indeterminacy
Chapter 6 Overview of Video Game Composition Over the Last 30 Years
Part II: Fundamental Video Game Scoring Techniques
Chapter 7 Composing Music Loops
Chapter 8 Horizontal Re-Sequencing
Chapter 9 Vertical Re-Mixing, Recombination and Phasing
Chapter 10 Writing Transitions and Stingers
Chapter 11 Music as a Sound Design Element
Chapter 12 Music as a Gameplay Element
Part III: Advanced Video Game Scoring Techniques
Chapter 13 Taking Steps Backwards — Midi, Virtual Instruments, Synthesis and Memory
Chapter 14 Rhythm verses Non-Rhythm and Tempo Variation
Chapter 15 Dynamic Re-Harmonization
Chapter 16 Aleatoric Techniques for Video Games
Chapter 17 An Introduction to Algorithmic Composition
Chapter 18 Music and Audio Middleware Solutions
Chapter 19 Creating A Custom Music Solution
Part IV: Bringing Music into the Game
Chapter 20 Composing Music with a DAW
Chapter 21 Notation, Recording and Mixing
Chapter 22 Mixing, Surround, DSP, and Effects
Chapter 23 Collaborative Tools, Implementation Strategies and Technical Considerations
Chapter 24 Bringing it all Together Large Scale Music Development
Part V: The Business of Scoring Music for Video Games
Chapter 25 The Life of a Composer
Chapter 26 Contracts, Rights and the Concept of Work for Hire
Chapter 27 Creating an Estimate or Bid
Chapter 28 Negotiating Tactics
Chapter 29 Marketing and Sales
Chapter 30 Challenges of Working as a Composer
Conclusion
Appendixes
Glossary
Recommended Books, Groups, and Websites
References
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
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