Beyond 8-Bit: The Evolution and Art of Video Game Scoring

A few Saturdays ago, I went to a live broadcast BBC Philharmonic concert called "The Sound of Gaming", with the two kids in tow. It was held at a packed BBC Philharmonic Studio at MediaCityUK (next door to our office). This was a first for me…

The orchestra played for precisely one hour. The concert highlighted to me just how much game music has evolved - from 8-bit compositions back in the 80’s to a 55-piece live orchestra score performance - complete with an XR component to allow online attendees to navigate a virtual concert space, interact with other avatars and explore different sections of the orchestra. All above by head, quite literally.

The main takeaways? 1) Kids can actually sit still for an hour without a screen; and 2) video game composers are serious business.

What is Interactive Scoring?

Video game scoring is non-linear. Unlike films or tv shows, where scene transitions are fixed, games provide players with the ability to make decisions about how things unfold. Players navigate and influence the sequence of events. Consequently, video game composers must write music that can seamlessly adapt to various gameplay scenarios.

One of our composers is doing this for a forthcoming AAA game. It requires 200 minutes of not just ‘ordinary’ music for linear scenes; the score encompasses horizontal re-sequencing - switching between distinct musical cues based on player interactions - and vertical layering, which modifies instrumental intensity dynamically, to enable a fluid and responsive auditory experience. In simple terms for the uneducated like me, this means the music changes depending on what the player is doing. So if you’re sneaking around, the soundtrack whispers, if you’re in battle, it roars, and if you just stand there stuck or doing nothing, you’ll hear (good) elevator music. And all quite possibly played by a prestigious orchestra like the London Symphony Orchestra.

Enhancing Narrative

Meticulously crafted video game scores can heighten suspense in a horror title, amplify adrenaline in an action sequence, or evoke tranquillity in an expansive open world. A prime example is “Starfield Suite” composed by Inon Zur for the 2023 video game Starfield (which was performed at The Sound of Gaming concert). It really showcased how Zur captured the vastness and mystery of space exploration. Every musical phrase is strategically positioned to complement gameplay without overwhelming the player’s experience. Hearing Zur’s piece really felt like a musical journey through the cosmos but without the risk of getting sucked into a black hole.

Collaboration with Game Developers - and other composers

Game scores can take years to complete. There are also usually numerous composers working on a game (Sackboy had 12). So, effective video game scoring is contingent on long-term collaborations between composers, sound designers and game developers. To create music that resonates with the gameplay and narrative, composers must gain an intricate understanding of the game’s mechanics, emotional arcs and pacing. Given the iterative nature of game development (there’s often the challenge of not having a lot visually to actually show a composer at first), adaptability is crucial, as compositions may need to be restructured or refined to accommodate evolving design elements. Clear communication ensures that the soundtrack aligns with the development team’s vision while preserving the composer’s artistic integrity.

Video Game Composers' Salaries

Earning potential in video game scoring can be lucrative, especially for established composers in the industry. Salaries to write a score can vary depending on the size and budget of the game, with independent game studios offering smaller amounts and larger AAA titles providing higher pay, often ranging from £50,000 to over £200,000 (likely for successful franchises) for a single project. Composers may also negotiate royalty deals based on the game's sales or popularity, providing additional income streams.

What Next for Video Game Music?

Scoring for video games is a dynamic craft that blends interactivity, storytelling, and technology. Music isn't just background sound. It shapes the game's narrative and emotional impact. As gaming technology progresses, so too does the art of video game scoring. For as long as the demand for groundbreaking scores continues, the future sound of game play looks bright. Time to speak with the kids about career plans…

Steve Berman is founder and MD of The Composerworks. Follow us for more insights on video game composers and the future of game scoring.