Make Video Game Music

So, you want to make your own video game music? That's great, because you can get EXACTLY the kind of moods, genres, sound effects, and voice overs you need. But how does one make music for video games? Well, with determination, the tools of the trade and a good ear, this article will hopefully provide a great bit of reference.

NOTE: I can't tell you how to play every single instrument, or how to write everything. I can only lay down the basics of game music recording.

Steps

  1. Decide what kind of music you'd like your game to feature. Do you want hardcore metal? Or do you want something a little more soft and classical? You could even use both, if you want! There are absolutely no boundaries to creativity.
  2. Learn how to read and write music. You can do this with either tabs or a music range. Start with a range, since it is the classic way to compose music. Learn all the notes and symbols, and although this may be a long task, it's really worth it.
  3. Get the necessary tools If you need any specific instruments or tools, go get them. Look in the Things You'll Need section for sound programs and software.
  4. Compose! If you need lyrics, write them with a certain rhythm in the syllables. Go see a How to Write a Haiku or Alexandrian Poem entry for help with this. Composing music requires quite the musical ear, you can't just put any notes together. Remember the mood and atmosphere you want to create.
  5. Record/Create. This will take a lot of tries, but it's normal. Depending on what kind of tools you are using, this could mean a makeshift recording studio or just a computer. Of course, if you are using real instruments, you will need to record it, but some music software lets you create music as well as edit it. Choose the one that's right for you.
  6. Create Sound effects. It will take tons of work, but this step is worth it. This is a really fun part in making the music, because it is so different from the rest of the recording. If you want realistic sound effects, there's no other way around it: you'll have to get out and do exactly what you are creating the sound effect for. Clang utensils or pots for a sword clash, throw heavy rocks down a rocky hill for a destructive sound. There are also sites where you can download sound effects, which are quite useful if you can't get the exact kind of sound you want.
  7. Do Voice overs. Again, this will require a lot of starting over and redoing. This part is quite simple, all you need is recording software, a good microphone and a filter (to eliminate spitting sounds and some interference) and a group of people that will bring your characters to life. This part can or cannot be essential, but I think it will be pretty useful. First and foremost, write your script. I suggest you look for a How to Write Theatre Scripts for this one. The voice actors usually have their scripts right in front of them, so don't worry on remembering it right (although you certainly will after all the tries). Do not forget to project the cut scene so that the actors can match the lip flap, if necessary. I suggest you record as a group instead of each voice individually. It makes the exchange of words more natural. Only thing is, the other actors have to keep quiet when one is speaking.
  8. Edit, compile it, and add it to the game! You can do this using the recording software. Make sure you're really familiar with your software, read the Readme or watch a How-to video. And now, you're all done and ready to test your game!

Tips

  • For those who will use a range, take your right hand as an example. Your pinky is the lower Mi, your ring finger is So, your middle finger is Ti, your index finger is Ré, and your thumb is the lower Fa. Then, take the spaces between your fingers as the spaces in the range. The first one is the higher Fa, the second is La, the third is the higher Do and the last one is the higher Mi.
  • Want a "happy" sounding note? Take two notes that have quite different pitches, but not too different. A higher Mi and Ré sounds happy, a higher Mi and a So does not. If you want a "surprise" kind of sound, taking a lot of completely different noises, like a lower Do, a higher Ré and La. Or just get random notes, it really adds to the randomness of a surprise sound effect.
  • Frustrated? Just relax and take a break. No need to get a burn out! You can't rush art, and when you do, believe me, it looks, sounds, and even sometimes SMELLS horrible.
  • Look to join organizations and network. The Game Audio Network Guild is a great resource.
  • Look for training at schools and seminars. Several music schools now offer courses in game audio. In addition, seminars and conferences such as the Game Developer Conference (http://www.gdconf.com) and GameSoundCon (http://www.GameSoundCon.com) offer extensive information on composing music for video games.
  • Don't know where to find the voice actors? Ask friends, family, hold auditions until you find the right voice!
  • Use a free software to edit music and save money.

Warnings

  • Always save your work every 10 minutes or so. It frustrates when you lose it all due to some stupid power outage or other random setback.
  • Do NOT grab random sound effects off the Internet except from a reputable source. Every sound is covered by copyright. There are many resources to get sound effects legitimately.
  • If you want an explosion sound, GET IT FROM THE INTERNET. Unless someone you know is a pyrotechnician, DO NOT make things explode by yourself!
  • Do not do remixes or covers. They are covered by copyright and can not be used. Be original!
  • Make sure your instruments are properly tuned! Using an electric guitar tuner or an electric piano to do so. Nothing is worse than a badly tuned instrument (except maybe people singing off pitch)!

Things You'll Need

  • Music or lined paper. You can buy whole notebooks with music paper in a retail store like Staples.
  • Recording software. I recommend Audacity, since it is free and has a variety of sound editing options, like changing the pitch or tempo. You can also use something like Cakewalk, Acoustica and a variety of recording software. If you want software that you can make retro-sounding game music with, I strongly suggest you check this URL out: http://www.nullsleep.com/utilities.php. It holds a lot of links to great sounding 8-bit audio software.
  • INSTRUMENTS. You may be able to create synthetic music, but it is nowhere near as beautiful as a real instrument. I'm sure there's a music store where you live, and if they don't have what you want, there's always eBay and amazon.com. You don't necessarily need a Fender Stratocaster to achieve the sound you need. Any brand can become a professional brand if you play them beautifully.
  • A crew. From the voice actors the the guys who hold the mikes, you'll need help. The more the merrier!

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