Hi Guys
Was wanting to know a game developers perspective on what they might want from a composer/sound designer? Are there any industry standard sample rates and bit depths you guys look for? do you use reference tracks? and finally are there any industry standard Audio Game Engines?
Sorry if it seems like a lot of questions, just trying to get a gauge as to what is expected.
All The Best
Humm how to answer the unanswerable.
Most of what you ask is a specification based on what engine is being used so has little to do as to what is expected as to a skill level of the individual. In other words I’ll tell you what to do after you have done your thing.
After that it’s more about you ability to “read” the flow and theme of the game and your ability to add a rather subjective narrative that “adds” a hook to an other wise lack luster presentation.
Example A
Not bad but soundtrack makes little effort to add a narrative so adds little to the final result.beyond a single play through
Example B
Transformers Burn it to the Ground - YouTube
Ignoring the lens flare, all the rage in 2010, The same soundtrack but the image sequences are ordered in a way that matches the narrative of the lyrics, and on the beat, that the viewer is motivated to watch more than once to catch all of the small details.
So as a personal opinion I would look for someone who can add to the flavor that motivates me to want to replay a level and not just do what I tell them to do.
P.S. my fav as an example is still Quake I done by NIN/ Trent Reznor
We want Modular Music Sequences, Patterns, Fillers, set at a specified tempo (130) that can be dynamically composited, mixed, transitioned in-game in real-time. Some of us Game Developers are using in game Sequencers and Mood Juke Boxes controlled by state machines. Modular Music design would provide more flexibility and replay.