1st Edition

Composing Music for Games The Art, Technology and Business of Video Game Scoring

By Chance Thomas Copyright 2016
    376 Pages
    by Routledge

    376 Pages
    by Routledge

    Composing Music for Games  is a guidebook for launching and maintaining a successful career as a video game composer. It offers a pragmatic approach to learning, intensified through challenging project assignments and simulations. Author Chance Thomas begins with the foundation of scoring principles applicable to all media, and then progresses serially through core methodologies specific to video game music. This book offers a powerful blend of aesthetic, technique, technology and business, which are all necessary components for a successful career as a video game composer.

    Dedication

    Introduction

    PERSPECTIVE

    The Language of Music Scoring

     

    PRINCIPLES

    Chapter 1 - Timeless Principles of Music Scoring

    Chapter 2 - Distinguishing Principles of Video Game Scoring

    Chapter 3 - Applied Principles in Music Design

     

    TECHNIQUES

    Chapter 4 - Basic Music Scoring Techniques for Games

    Chapter 5 - Advanced Music Scoring Techniques for Games

     

    PROCESSES

    Chapter 6 - Music Composition

    Chapter 7 - Music Production

    Chapter 8 - Music Implementation

     

    BUSINESS

    Chapter 9 - Tuning Up for Success

    Chapter 10 - Hunting and Gathering

    Chapter 11 - Money Matters

    Chapter 12 - Lifestyle Management

     

    EVOLUTION

    Chapter 13 - Disruptive Innovation

    Chapter 14 - Contemporary Vanguards

    Chapter 15 - Career Philanthropy

     

    APPENDAGES

    Acknowledgements

    Index

    About the Author

    Biography

    Chance Thomas is a composer, educator and entrepreneur. His music has underscored blockbuster commercial success and critical acclaim, including an Oscar, an Emmy and billions of dollars in video game and film sales worldwide. Game credits include DOTA 2, Lord of the Rings Online, James Cameron’s Avator, Heroes of Might and Magic, Peter Jackson’s King Kong and many more. As an educator, Chance works with universities, colleges and conferences to help students and professionals navigate the intersection of music scoring, technology and business. He has served on advisory boards for Full Sail University, Brigham Young University, the Game Developer’s Conference and the Game Audio Network Guild. His business interests range across studios, publishing and audio services, successfully supporting a music career spanning more than 30 years.