Artur “ShadAcinonyx” Jaszczaj
Common Practices in Game Music Composition

For my project I have created an interactable application that focuses on exploration of music indeterminacy present in video games, the techniques used by the composers in the industry, general workflows adopted by the already established artists and explore software solutions that enable adaptability and interactivity of music through external inputs.

The contents of this project can be categorized into an audio and technical element.

In the audio side I explore the techniques of Vertical Re-Orchestration and Horizontal Re-Sequencing, as well as the utilization of Leitmotif in existing video game soundtracks. The music itself was creased with the utilization of virtual instruments only.

The application was coded in the Unity engine that utilized the C# programming language. Furthermore, I used a third-party audio middleware solution Wwise as a flexible audio engine to achieve playback mechanisms that would resemble those found in video games.

For the Leitmotif element I based my work on the practices of Geoff Knorr and his compositions for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI game, where he manages to produce music that represents both the traditions and innovation of various cultures throughout the eras of human progress from ancient through modern times. I have created four pieces based on a theme from my hometown where I chose the instrumentation and music styles to reflect those of Central European culture throughout the ages as well as imagine how it could sound like for the older times that we know little about from lack of written sources.
The technical element implemented for the Leitmotif compositions is a simple music player.

For the Vertical Re-Orchestration I investigated the works of the team led by Shinji Ushiroda that created the soundtrack for Nintendo Switch fitness game Ring Fit Adventure. My aim was to create an alternative for the encounter-based soundtrack that could sound believable enough for a third-party listener to attribute to a fitness game. As a result, I have arranged eight looping synchronized and interchangeable soundtrack variations.
The technical element in the Vertical Re-Orchestration showcases the technique of substituting the layers, which I have synchronized to the beats of the compositions.

The audio for Horizontal Re-Sequencing part of the project was substantially influenced by my previous academic research where I explored this compositional technique on a less advanced level. The experience that I have gained then, as well as appropriate self-reflection and investigation into multiple soundtracks that are adaptive allowed me to create groups of short clips of over 2 seconds in length that would be then programmed into the application itself. A total of 8 groups, each containing 10 clips ended up in the final application.
The technical element in the Horizontal Re-Sequencing has been programmed to semi-randomly play clips from a group, as well as queue appropriate transitions to different sets upon user input emulating the adaptability of music in video games.

A total of 29 minutes and 38 seconds of audio was created for this project.

You can access the application here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5kkx3gyeyj8xn8w/AAAs0JQZpU8scxeUeyohYBbba?dl=0

About Artur “ShadAcinonyx” Jaszczaj

Artur “ShadAcinonyx” Jaszczak is a Polish media composer and sound designer based in London. He works predominantly with virtual instrument libraries in creating instrumental pieces for movies, video games and other media. With a background as a classically trained pianist, his work focuses on both orchestral and electronic music. When he is not creating his own music, he helps others learn to realize their own passions by teaching piano and music technology on a freelance basis.

Throughout his university studies, he explored the practices and techniques of interactive, adaptive, and generative music mostly in the context of composing for video games.

Contact email address: a.t.jaszczak ({at} gmail {dot} com)

For more information check out: https://shadacinonyx.com/

Or visit https://soundcloud.com/shadacinonyx to listen to examples of Artur’s work.