Imagine a world where the music in your favorite video game isn't just a pre-recorded track but a living, breathing entity that reacts to your every move. This is the power of generative music, and it's revolutionizing the way we experience games.

Unlike traditional soundtracks, generative music isn't a fixed composition. Instead, it's created by algorithms that respond in real time to your actions, the game environment, and even your emotional state. This dynamic approach to music can weave a richer tapestry of immersion, drawing you deeper into the virtual world.

 You may have already experienced generative music in the following games…

·         No Man's Sky (2016): The game's soundtrack uses a library of musical fragments that are shuffled and layered based on the environment you're in, the actions you take, and even the time of day (Collins, 2016). This creates a truly unique musical journey for each player.

·         Dead Cells (2018): This fast-paced roguelike features a generative soundtrack that reacts to your combat prowess. As you rack up kills and combos, the music intensifies, adding a layer of excitement and reward to your victories (Wilson, (2018, August).

·         Dreams (2020): This imaginative creation game from Media Molecule allows players to craft unique experiences and compose their own music. Dreams utilize a robust suite of music creation tools, allowing players to design generative soundscapes that adapt to user-created gameplay elements PlayStation Blog. (2020, February 12).

·         Chorus (2021): Soar through the cosmos as a spacefaring mercenary in Chorus. The game's soundtrack features pre-composed music and generative elements that kick in during intense dogfights. The music's tempo and intensity increase as battles escalate, further amplifying the thrills of aerial combat (Donlan, 2021, December 1).

Here's how generative music achieves this captivating effect:

·         Adaptive Atmospheres: Generative music can adapt to the changing atmosphere of the game. Imagine exploring a peaceful forest – the music might be gentle and ambient. But as you stumble upon a hidden dungeon, the soundscape could morph into something more ominous, reflecting the shift in danger. This dynamic approach keeps the music fresh and relevant to your current in-game experience.

·         A Symphony of Your Actions: Your actions become part of the musical composition. A flurry of sword strikes might trigger a burst of percussion while sneaking through the shadows, which could introduce hushed, suspenseful tones. This creates a sense of agency, where you feel like you're not just playing the game but composing the soundtrack alongside it.

·         Emotional Entanglement: Generative music can even take a cue from your emotional state. Physiological data (like heart rate) or in-game actions (like aggressive vs. defensive play) can adjust the music's intensity or mood. This biofeedback loop creates a powerful connection between you and the game, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality.

The benefits of generative music extend beyond simple immersion. Studies have shown it can also:

·         Enhance Flow: The dynamic nature of generative music can contribute to a state of "flow," where players become completely absorbed in the game, according to Bodzin, Junior, Hammond, & Anastasio (2021). This can lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding gaming experience.

·         Boost Performance: According to Plut & Pasquier (2020), generative music that adapts to player actions has been shown to improve performance in certain game genres in some cases. This suggests the music might provide subtle cues or motivational nudges that enhance gameplay.

However, Stevens, RC (2021) points out that generative music is still a developing field. Some challenges include:

·         Maintaining Musical Cohesion: As the music constantly adapts, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of musical coherence. Finding the right balance between responsiveness and musicality is key.

·         Tailoring the Experience: Generative music needs to be carefully tailored to the specific game and its target audience. What works for a horror game might not be suitable for a relaxing puzzle game.

Despite these challenges, generative music holds immense potential for the future of gaming. As technology advances and developers experiment further, we can expect even more immersive and engaging musical experiences that blur the lines between the player and the game world.

So, the next time you lose yourself in a captivating game, take a moment to appreciate the unseen composer – the clever algorithms weaving a unique musical tapestry just for you.

References

Bodzin, A., Junior, R. A., Hammond, T., & Anastasio, D. (2021). Investigating engagement and flow with a placed-based immersive virtual reality game. Journal of science education and technology, 30, 347-360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-020-09870-4

Collins, K. (2016, August). No Man's Sky: How procedural music brings the universe to life https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5ngM8W6Gx4Q. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from gamasutra.com

Donlan, C. (2021, December 1). Chorus review: A spacefaring shooter symphony https://www.eurogamer.net/chorus-review. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from Eurogamer

PlayStation Blog. (2020, February 12). Dreams: How to create music https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMFdmouna3Q. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from PlayStation.Blog

Plut, C., & Pasquier, P. (2020). Generative music in video games: State of the art, challenges, and prospects. Entertainment Computing, 33, 100337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2019.100337

Stevens, RC (2021) The inherent conflicts of musical interactivity in video games. In: The Cambridge Companion to Video Game Music. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 74-93. ISBN 9781108670289 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108670289

Wilson, T. (2018, August 20). Dead Cells: How its music dynamically ramps up with your badassery https://music.apple.com/us/album/dead-cells-original-soundtrack/1413811527. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from gamesradar.com