Dynamic Music

Mionikoi

I might have missed something. But if anyone knows me by now, they'll tell you I probably have some out there ideas.

So here is one. Dynamic music.

I wanted to pitch two ways this could be done.

Method one: Dynamic Orchestra

Each race and/or class has an instrument tied to it. Each zone has a track or a number of tracks tied to it.

Let's say we are playing as a kaelar fighter (about as generic as they come, I know) they are represented in the Riverlands as a violin. Joined in their party is an Empyrean cleric, represented as a piano or a harp. Then a py'rai elf as a flute, and each race adds one intrument.

Another option could go that each race has 8 instruments tied to their cultural them.

But method one all boils down to each zone having 1 or a set of tracks for each intrument to have set notes to play.

Merhod Two: A Reactive World

You are roaming into section 1 of the Riverlands, track 1 plays.
You start a fight with a minotaur, combat track 1 starts playing.
You die, death music plays.

I know it sounds boring the way I put it, but reactive music is rather common and gives you nonverbal ques about the world around you. Something aggroed you, combat music ensues. You are out of combat, zone track starts to play. You entered a new zone, that zone's track begins to play. An event started, music for that event or a event alerts you.

The game could communicate to you, without text or verbal ques what is going on.

I wanted to suggest this idea and hear what people think. Any suggestions or ideas of your own?

Voxtrium

They have seemed keen on the idea of letting the world tell you whats up, going so far as using animations and other visual/audio ques to help players determine when a boss is losing threat, I would be shocked if that didn't expand into their development of music

oOKingOo

It would probably be a lot of extra work, but it would be cool to have a theme song for every node for each race. The music that plays could be determined by which race has contributed the most to the node. Additionally, standard music, like combat, death, and level-up music, should depend on your race to add character to your playthrough. I think this would really help with immersion.

P0GG0

waste of money if you ask me, we'll have the game on mute after a few month.

Otr

I would prefer the tune type to be tied to the race which influenced the ZoI the most than character race, because character race does not change and I prefer variation.
Also I don't want combat music.

Unknown

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TheDarkSorcerer

Method 2 is very much guaranteed. Each environmental zone will most likely have dedicated music playing as well.

Texas

The idea behind #1 always sounds better than it actually plays out. Timbre is as (or sometimes more important) than the tune itself. Basically, let the composer cook.

ReLamas

Dynamic music can truly elevate the gaming experience, and I love the ideas you're pitching!

Method One: Dynamic Orchestra
Having each race or class tied to specific instruments sounds incredible. Imagine the rich tapestry of sound that would emerge as different players and races converge in a zone! This approach not only enhances the immersion but also gives a unique auditory identity to each race and class. Players could feel more connected to their characters and their cultural backgrounds. Here are a few additional thoughts:

Character Progression: As characters level up, perhaps their instrument's complexity or style changes, reflecting their growth.
Special Events: During significant in-game events, the dynamic orchestra could come together in unique compositions, making those moments even more memorable.
Method Two: A Reactive World
Reactive music is a staple in many great games for a reason—it provides essential nonverbal cues and enhances the atmosphere. Your idea could be expanded with:

Layered Tracks: Different layers of music that can fade in and out based on the intensity of the situation. For instance, a mild threat might add a subtle percussion layer, while a full-on boss fight brings in a full orchestra.
Environmental Cues: The music could change not only with combat but also with the time of day, weather, or even specific landmarks or mysteries within a zone.
Combined Approach
Why not merge the best of both worlds? Have a base layer of reactive music that shifts with the game state, but overlay it with dynamic elements tied to the player’s race, class, and party composition. This way, you get the immediate feedback from the world while also enjoying the personalized touch of a dynamic orchestra.

Community Involvement
It could be fascinating to involve the community in this process. Perhaps hold a contest where players submit themes or motifs for their favorite races or classes. This could create a deeper connection between the players and the game’s musical identity.

In conclusion, dynamic music, whether through a reactive world or a dynamic orchestra, can significantly enrich the gaming experience. Your ideas bring a new level of depth and immersion that would make Ashes of Creation stand out even more.

Mionikoi

ReLamas wrote: »

Dynamic music can truly elevate the gaming experience, and I love the ideas you're pitching!

Method One: Dynamic Orchestra
Having each race or class tied to specific instruments sounds incredible. Imagine the rich tapestry of sound that would emerge as different players and races converge in a zone! This approach not only enhances the immersion but also gives a unique auditory identity to each race and class. Players could feel more connected to their characters and their cultural backgrounds. Here are a few additional thoughts:

Character Progression: As characters level up, perhaps their instrument's complexity or style changes, reflecting their growth.
Special Events: During significant in-game events, the dynamic orchestra could come together in unique compositions, making those moments even more memorable.
Method Two: A Reactive World
Reactive music is a staple in many great games for a reason—it provides essential nonverbal cues and enhances the atmosphere. Your idea could be expanded with:

Layered Tracks: Different layers of music that can fade in and out based on the intensity of the situation. For instance, a mild threat might add a subtle percussion layer, while a full-on boss fight brings in a full orchestra.
Environmental Cues: The music could change not only with combat but also with the time of day, weather, or even specific landmarks or mysteries within a zone.
Combined Approach
Why not merge the best of both worlds? Have a base layer of reactive music that shifts with the game state, but overlay it with dynamic elements tied to the player’s race, class, and party composition. This way, you get the immediate feedback from the world while also enjoying the personalized touch of a dynamic orchestra.

Community Involvement
It could be fascinating to involve the community in this process. Perhaps hold a contest where players submit themes or motifs for their favorite races or classes. This could create a deeper connection between the players and the game’s musical identity.

In conclusion, dynamic music, whether through a reactive world or a dynamic orchestra, can significantly enrich the gaming experience. Your ideas bring a new level of depth and immersion that would make Ashes of Creation stand out even more.

Oooh! I like your idea. I didn't really think of layering both. Method 2 was more of a basic 'Something a lot of other games might do' so it is more grounded. Like Skyrim, where combat music plays when something is aggroed to you. But even with the music off, you get subtle audio cues that something is stalking you. Bird and bug tracks stop playing. (I hope Intrepid does this.)

But yeah, layering 1 & 2 would be a wild symphony!

Ace1234

Yeah I would definitely like to see them make use of dynamic/reactive music for storytelling and gameplay elements, such as through leitmotif.