Are you contemplating whether to hire a composer for your game? As a composer who’s had the privilege of working with many indie game developers and studios, I understand the challenges that come with finding the right person to join your creative team. Selecting the right composer can make or break your project, so here are a few tips to guide you in your search:
1. Clarify Your Needs
Before diving into your search, ask yourself: What role do you want a composer to play in your game’s development? Are you seeking someone to work with long-term, or would you prefer a composer who can step in on an ad-hoc basis? Are you looking for a one-time collaboration, or would you like to develop a lasting relationship with a composer who can contribute to multiple projects?
Understanding your own goals will help you narrow down the type of composer you need.
2. Know What Kind of Person You Want to Work With
This is a universal point, whether you’re hiring for a creative role or something else. It’s essential to identify the attributes and personality traits that will help ensure a successful collaboration. Think about the type of person you want to work with, both professionally and personally.
Look for a composer who:
Delivers outstanding music that elevates your game
Communicates easily and effectively
Respects your team and vision
Is open to discussing ideas and feedback
Helps bring your creative vision to life
(Also check out 6 Ways to Spot a Bad Composer Before It’s Too Late!)
3. Define the Music Style You’re After
While many composers can adapt to different genres, most have a signature style that will shine through in all their work. Before you start reaching out to composers, determine the type of music you envision for your game. Listen to different tracks, identify the styles that resonate with you, and narrow down your preferences.
Once you have a clearer vision of what you want, review composers’ previous works to see if their style aligns with your needs. Pay attention to elements like audio quality, melody, and overall tone to see if it fits the vibe you're going for.
Feel free to browse through some of my game music soundtracks for inspiration, and get a sense of what kind of music might work well for your project.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
Every developer works with a budget, and it’s crucial to be upfront about what you can afford for the music. Consider how important the music is to your game and how it fits into your overall budget. High-quality music can significantly enhance the player experience, but it’s not always the focus in every game. Some projects require more investment in soundtracks than others, depending on how central the music is to the overall experience.
Ask yourself: Do you have the budget for a high-end composer who can produce fully orchestrated, cinematic scores? Or are you working with a more modest budget, where you’ll need to look for composers who offer a great balance of quality and affordability?
Balancing your budget while ensuring the music elevates your game is key. When you find the right composer, the collaboration will feel well worth the investment.
5. Consider Your Working Style
Think about how you’d like to collaborate with your composer. Are you comfortable working virtually, or would you prefer to meet in person? Do you prefer using email, video calls, or file-sharing platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive?
Establishing the logistics of how you’ll work together will help ensure smooth communication and a productive partnership. Find a composer who thrives under the same working conditions you prefer.
Finding the right composer for your game may take time and effort, but once you discover the perfect match, the results can be extraordinary. If you think I can help bring your game’s soundtrack to life, feel free to reach out and explore how we can collaborate!
About the Author:
Ninichi is a game music and film music composer based in the UK, with clients all across the globe, from the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She has created music for games, films, tv shows, commercials and more. Visit her homepage now and explore her music.
