Introduction:
Let’s talk about the spatial dimension of a game level and how it manifests in the soundtrack.
Music and ambient sounds serve as narrative tools, providing a storytelling experience. The size of the space the character occupies plays a crucial role—whether it’s a vast green field, a mist-shrouded area where estimating size is impossible, a small, dark control room, or a cavernous hall with a towering ceiling. Music and ambient sounds can effectively address these spatial considerations.
Considering the Space:
The spatial context of a game level can vary widely, from large to small areas. The size of the space can significantly impact the player’s perception, and music plays a crucial role in addressing these diverse settings. While there are numerous aspects to consider, such as period, geography, graphics style, and mood, our primary focus here is on the general concept of space.
Subjective Analysis:
It’s important to note that the choices of instruments, progressions, genres, and ambient sounds are subjective and open to debate. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience, and sometimes opting for unconventional elements can make the soundtrack truly shine.
Key Elements:
Frequency
Sound can be perceived as large or small. For instance, a foghorn’s low and loud frequencies can convey the size of the object producing it. Deep, resonant sounds have the power to be physically felt by the listener. If, for example, my character is witnessing a large ship passing by, I might choose a low brass sound to evoke the grandeur of the scene. Opting for a high-pitched xylophone melody, on the other hand, would convey a message unrelated to the vastness of the setting and the actual size of the object.
Reberb
Imagine the difference in sound between playing an instrument in a tiny room versus a large empty hall. By adjusting the reverb effect applied to the music (along with the equalizer), various spaces can be simulated, aligning the soundtrack with the size of the scene.
Musical Note Length
When portraying a character standing alone in a peaceful field, surrounded by nature, the choice of musical elements must align with the intended message—be it calmness, fear, inspiration, or awe. Slow orchestral notes, likely in the mid-lower registry, can establish the fundamentals of a soundtrack for such a scene. If an element like a butterfly enters the frame, a single high-pitched instrument with shorter notes would be more fitting. Note length and character can be linked to the size of objects in the scene. For a passing cloud, an essential element for the soundtrack might involve slow-playing woodwind or brass instruments.
Tempo
If the soundtrack primarily visualizes the game-level scenery rather than character actions or emotions, choosing between slow and fast can correlate with big and small. Instinctively, a slow progression, especially with lower notes, can evoke something large and mysterious—a macro approach. However, an action scene featuring a panoramic view with a character chasing someone on rooftops may benefit from a fast-paced musical piece despite the vastness of the view.
In Conclusion:
In crafting the perfect atmosphere for a game, manipulating frequencies, reverb, tempo, and note length can effectively convey the perspective and size of a given level. These elements serve as the foundation for creating an immersive experience that complements the game’s narrative and visuals.
Closing Thoughts:
These insights are based on an analysis of personal works and peer contributions. While these are fundamental elements, there may be additional tools and techniques to explore. So, go ahead, dive into the world of video game music, and find the perfect soundtrack for your game.