Where to Find Good Game Music Packs: A Guide for Developers

When you're developing a game, the music you choose can elevate the entire experience. Game soundtracks create atmosphere, enhance emotional engagement, and set the tone for gameplay. However, hiring a composer or creating a custom soundtrack from scratch may not always be feasible, especially for indie developers or those with limited budgets. That's where game music packs come in.

Game music packs are pre-made collections of music tracks that can be licensed for use in your project. These packs save you time, money, and effort, all while providing high-quality music that enhances the gaming experience. But with so many options out there, it’s important to know where to find good music packs that fit your game’s style and tone. In this blog, we'll discuss some great places to find game music packs, including Ninichi's royalty-free music packs.

1. Stock Music Websites

Stock music websites are one of the most common places to find game music packs. These sites offer a wide range of tracks, from cinematic scores to upbeat electronic beats, which can be used in various game genres. Websites like AudioJungle, Pond5, and PremiumBeat provide extensive libraries of royalty-free music tracks, often organized into specific themes or moods.

The benefit of stock music is that the tracks are often ready to be used right away. However, one downside is that these websites sometimes feature music that feels generic or overused, so it can be a challenge to find something that feels truly unique for your game.

2. Dedicated Game Music Libraries

For game developers looking for tracks that are specifically designed for gaming, dedicated game music libraries are a great resource. These sites offer collections of tracks tailored to video game soundtracks, with music created to suit the dynamic and interactive nature of games. Popular game-specific music libraries include GameDev Market, OpenGameArt, and Kenney.nl.

These libraries often feature music that aligns more closely with the unique needs of game developers, such as music that adapts to different gameplay scenarios or themes. You'll often find music packs designed for certain genres, like RPGs, platformers, or puzzle games.

3. Royalty-Free Music Platforms

If you’re looking for high-quality music that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag or licensing headaches, royalty-free music platforms are an excellent choice. On these platforms, you pay a one-time fee or subscribe to access a library of music tracks that you can use in your game without worrying about ongoing royalties.

One notable platform for royalty-free music is Ninichi Music. Ninichi offers a variety of royalty-free game music packs that can be licensed for commercial use, making it an excellent choice for indie game developers. Her music is carefully crafted to fit various game genres and styles, from fantasy and adventure to chiptune and relaxing ambient tracks. You can browse through her selection and find a music pack that suits the mood of your game.

4. Independent Composers and Artists

If you're looking for something more unique and tailored to your game's specific needs, consider exploring music by independent composers and artists. Many independent musicians sell their music directly through platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or their personal websites. By purchasing music directly from an artist, you may even be able to negotiate exclusive rights or custom music tailored to your game’s specific requirements.

Independent composers often offer music that has a distinct style, which can make your game stand out. Contact Ninichi directly to discuss your specific game music needs.

5. Ninichi’s Royalty-Free Game Music Packs

For game developers looking for high-quality, royalty-free music that fits a variety of game genres, Ninichi’s royalty-free game music packs are an excellent option. Ninichi is an experienced composer who has created a diverse range of music packs designed specifically for game developers. From atmospheric and ambient tracks to energetic and upbeat themes, Ninichi’s music can be the perfect complement to your project.

On her website, you can explore a selection of ready-to-use music packs that are versatile, easy to implement, and affordable. Whether you're working on a fantasy RPG, an action-packed platformer, or a relaxing puzzle game, Ninichi’s music packs provide a wide array of options for every kind of game.

Her royalty-free game music packs allow you to purchase high-quality music without worrying about ongoing licensing fees. Plus, these tracks are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that they’re the perfect fit for your game’s atmosphere and narrative.

You can find Ninichi’s royalty-free game music packs directly here.

6. Customizable Music Packs

Some platforms, like Bensound and Soundstripe, offer customizable music packs where you can tweak the tracks to fit your game’s specific needs. These packs often come with variations in tempo, instrumentation, and arrangement, allowing you to create a more personalized soundtrack without having to hire a composer. This flexibility can be a great advantage if you're working on a game with multiple levels, stages, or environments that require different moods. Ninichi also often adapts tracks to suit specific needs and also has a vast library of music archived that can be licensed on request. So, if you see something on her Bandcamp, SoundCloud or website that you feel would work well with your game, don’t be afraid to get in touch and ask about it.

7. Free Music Libraries

For developers on a tight budget, there are also a number of free music libraries that offer game music tracks for commercial use. Websites like Free Music Archive (now Epidemic sound), Incompetech, and Purple Planet Music provide a selection of royalty-free music tracks that can be used in your game for free, with some requiring attribution.

While free music libraries can be a great resource, it’s important to carefully check the licensing terms to make sure you’re allowed to use the music in commercial projects. Additionally, because free music is widely available, it may be harder to find truly unique tracks that aren’t already used by other developers.

In Conclusion Finding the right music for your game is essential to creating a memorable and engaging experience for your players. Whether you choose to browse stock music websites, explore dedicated game music libraries, or look for royalty-free music, there are many options available to developers.

For those looking for high-quality, royalty-free music specifically crafted for games, Ninichi’s music packs provide a great selection of ready-to-use tracks designed for various game genres. Be sure to check out her royalty-free music packs here and find the perfect soundtrack for your next project!

Why Fantasy Music is Popular in Game Soundtracks

Fantasy music has long been a beloved genre in the world of video games. It’s a style that transports players to magical realms, mythical landscapes, and epic adventures. Whether it’s soaring orchestral scores or delicate, atmospheric melodies, fantasy music creates the perfect soundtrack for immersive worlds full of imagination and wonder. But what makes fantasy music so universally appealing in game soundtracks? Let’s take a closer look at why fantasy music is such a natural fit for video games and how it enhances the overall experience.

1. Evoking a Sense of Wonder and Escapism

At its core, fantasy music is all about evoking a sense of awe, mystery, and escapism. Fantasy games often take place in worlds that are far removed from our own, whether they’re set in enchanted forests, ancient castles, or distant planets. Fantasy music helps to immerse players in these worlds by creating soundscapes that feel otherworldly and magical.

From soaring strings to mystical chimes, fantasy music often uses orchestral and ambient elements to build a grand atmosphere. It pulls players into the story, making them feel as though they are part of something bigger than themselves. This sense of wonder and escapism is a significant reason why fantasy music is so popular in games—it enhances the experience and makes the world feel alive and full of possibilities.

2. Building Emotional Connections

Fantasy music also plays a crucial role in connecting players emotionally to the game world and its characters. Music has the ability to trigger emotions and enhance storytelling, and in fantasy games, where the narrative often involves a hero’s journey, battles between good and evil, or the discovery of hidden powers, music is essential in reinforcing these themes.

Through the use of sweeping orchestral movements, delicate melodies, and emotional harmonies, fantasy music can elevate moments of triumph, sorrow, or discovery. When a player hears a powerful theme during an important moment—whether it’s a climactic battle or a quiet moment of reflection—it creates a deep emotional connection to the game. The music becomes a reflection of the character’s journey and struggles, further pulling the player into the experience.

3. Setting the Tone for Adventure

Fantasy music is often associated with grand adventures, heroic quests, and epic battles. It is the perfect complement to games that involve exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategy, as well as those filled with action-packed combat. The way fantasy music can change the tempo, rhythm, and orchestration to match the pacing of gameplay is what makes it so effective in these types of games.

Whether it's the tension-building music during a tense dungeon crawl, the triumphant brass section in a battle against a mighty foe, or the peaceful lullaby-like themes when exploring serene landscapes, fantasy music adapts to the needs of the story and gameplay. It heightens the sense of adventure, making each moment feel significant and engaging.

4. Creating Immersive Soundscapes

Fantasy music often leans heavily on atmospheric and ambient sounds that help to create a fully immersive environment. Games with fantasy elements often feature expansive worlds filled with varied environments, and music is key to setting the mood for each location. The soundtracks are rich with natural sounds, mythical instruments, and otherworldly textures that make the world feel alive.

For example, forests are often paired with soft, melodic sounds of flutes and harps, while mystical caverns may feature eerie, echoing choirs or the sound of distant bells. These sonic landscapes help build the game's setting and reinforce the player’s journey through different terrains, further enhancing immersion.

5. Supporting the Fantasy Narrative

Many fantasy games are steeped in rich lore and intricate world-building. Music is a powerful tool for reinforcing the narrative and making the game’s world feel deep and consistent. Fantasy music can represent different factions, characters, or regions within the game, with each area or group having its own unique musical theme. These recurring motifs help to tie the soundtrack to the game’s narrative, providing players with subtle cues about the story’s progression.

For example, a heroic theme may accompany the main protagonist, while darker, more ominous melodies might be used to signal the presence of antagonistic forces. As players move through the game, they associate these melodies with certain emotions, characters, and events, adding layers of meaning to the game’s plot and deepening their connection to the world.

6. Ninichi’s Fantasy Music: A Trio of Magical Soundtracks

As we’ve seen, fantasy music is essential in crafting immersive, emotional, and adventurous gaming experiences. One artist who excels at creating captivating fantasy soundtracks is Ninichi. Her works, including Mystic Tales, Mystic Legends, and Fantasy Dreams, are perfect examples of how fantasy music can transport players to magical realms and enhance the storytelling of a game.

• Mystic Tales: This album is filled with enchanting melodies and soothing orchestrations that bring the world of fantasy to life. The calming rhythms and mystical instruments create an atmosphere of wonder, making it an ideal soundtrack for exploring magical landscapes or delving into the mysteries of a fantastical world.

• Mystic Legends: With Mystic Legends, Ninichi takes her fantasy compositions to a more epic level. The album features sweeping orchestral scores and dynamic themes that are perfect for heroic journeys, grand quests, and larger-than-life adventures. It captures the spirit of a legendary tale, full of triumphs and challenges, that keeps players engaged from start to finish.

• Fantasy Dreams: Fantasy Dreams transports listeners to dreamlike, surreal worlds with its ethereal melodies and atmospheric tones. This album evokes a sense of wonder and magic, perfect for games that take players on imaginative and fantastical adventures. The soundscapes are immersive and enchanting, creating an environment where dreams and reality blend seamlessly.

These three albums by Ninichi are excellent examples of how fantasy music can capture the essence of different types of fantasy worlds, from serene landscapes to epic adventures. Her ability to blend orchestral elements with modern sensibilities creates soundtracks that feel both timeless and innovative, perfect for any fantasy-themed game or project.

In Conclusion Fantasy music is beloved in game soundtracks because it evokes a sense of wonder, adventure, and emotional depth. From its ability to immerse players in magical worlds to its role in enhancing the narrative, fantasy music is a powerful tool that helps create unforgettable gaming experiences. Whether it’s through soothing melodies or epic, sweeping scores, fantasy music sets the perfect tone for any adventure.

If you're looking for a taste of captivating fantasy soundtracks, be sure to check out Ninichi’s Mystic Tales, Mystic Legends, and Fantasy Dreams. These albums offer a magical blend of enchanting melodies, rich orchestrations, and immersive soundscapes that bring fantasy worlds to life in beautiful ways.

Why Jazz Works So Well in Game Music Soundtracks

Jazz is a musical genre that's known for its rich improvisation, complex harmonies, and rhythmic versatility. While it’s often associated with classic bars and dimly lit lounges, it has found its way into the world of video games, adding a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the gaming experience. Jazz in game music brings an infectious energy, an emotional touch, and a unique atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a variety of game genres.

In this blog, we’ll explore why jazz works so well in video game soundtracks and how it enhances the gaming experience, from the immersive atmosphere to the emotional impact it creates.

1. Jazz Offers Emotional Depth and Versatility

One of the most compelling reasons jazz works so well in game soundtracks is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether it’s the upbeat swing of a brass section or the smooth, mellow tones of a piano, jazz can shift effortlessly between joyous, relaxing, intense, and introspective moods. This emotional flexibility allows game composers to craft music that enhances the narrative and gameplay, setting the tone for different in-game moments.

In games that require emotional nuance or a balance of intensity and relaxation, jazz offers the perfect toolkit. It can help create tension during a dramatic moment or provide a calming, reflective mood during slower-paced scenes. Jazz’s improvisational nature also allows for subtle changes in rhythm and harmony, giving it a sense of freedom that can mirror the unpredictable dynamics of a game.

2. The Rhythmic Energy of Jazz Keeps Players Engaged

The rhythms in jazz—whether it's a laid-back groove or a more intense, syncopated beat—add energy and movement to a game’s soundtrack. Jazz's rhythmic complexity is particularly effective in games that demand player attention, such as action-packed games or those with puzzle-solving elements.

Jazz can help create a sense of flow and rhythm within gameplay. For instance, a driving jazz beat can inject excitement and urgency into a chase sequence, while a smooth, flowing rhythm can help guide players through slower, more methodical sections of the game. The way jazz can transition between tempos, time signatures, and energy levels allows for a more dynamic, ever-changing soundtrack that matches the ebb and flow of gameplay.

3. Jazz’s Improvisational Nature Adds Uniqueness

One of the most defining features of jazz is improvisation. Musicians often add their own flair and creativity to the music, allowing for spontaneous and unpredictable moments. In video games, this improvisation can be used to great effect, creating soundtracks that feel fresh, evolving, and responsive to the player’s actions.

When applied to game music, jazz improvisation can enhance moments of exploration, problem-solving, or even intense combat. It makes the music feel more alive and reactive, creating an interactive relationship between the player and the soundtrack. In turn, this helps to immerse the player more deeply in the game world.

4. Jazz Complements Unique Game Settings

Jazz works particularly well in games with distinctive settings that benefit from music with personality. Whether it’s the smoky atmosphere of a noir detective story or a whimsical, quirky world, jazz’s ability to fit into various settings makes it a versatile genre for game composers.

In games with a retro, vintage, or eclectic aesthetic, jazz naturally enhances the mood, adding character to the environment. The genre’s timeless appeal can suit games that focus on storytelling, world-building, and creating immersive, atmospheric settings. Whether it’s a futuristic city or a charming small town, jazz can mold itself to the unique atmosphere of any game world.

5. Creating a Memorable and Distinctive Soundtrack

Jazz’s intricate musical layers, improvisational tendencies, and emotional versatility mean it can help craft a memorable soundtrack that stands out from other types of game music. Its distinctive sound gives games a unique auditory identity, helping to make them more memorable for players.

Games with jazz-infused soundtracks tend to feel more sophisticated, smooth, and immersive. The incorporation of jazz creates a memorable audio experience that players often associate with specific moments of the game. Whether it's through catchy melodies, complex rhythms, or emotional depth, a jazz soundtrack can resonate long after the game is finished.

6. Ninichi’s Mini Hospital – A Perfect Example of Jazz in Game Music

One excellent example of how jazz works beautifully in game soundtracks is Ninichi’s Mini Hospital. This album is a delightful blend of playful jazz elements, with smooth piano lines, lively rhythms, and soothing melodies that create a lighthearted and inviting atmosphere. The whimsical nature of the music brings warmth and charm to the game, perfectly capturing the cozy, relaxed environment of a small hospital.

By using jazz, Ninichi has created a soundtrack that complements the game's atmosphere and enhances the player’s experience in a unique and memorable way. It’s a perfect example of how jazz can bring charm, playfulness, and warmth to a game, making Mini Hospital an enjoyable and immersive journey.

In Conclusion Jazz is an incredibly versatile and dynamic genre that works beautifully in game music. From its emotional depth and rhythmic energy to its improvisational creativity, jazz has the ability to enhance a game’s narrative, set the tone for various moments, and immerse players in its world. Whether it’s adding tension, playfulness, or relaxation, jazz offers game composers an array of tools to craft soundtracks that stand out and resonate with players.

If you’re interested in exploring how jazz can elevate a game’s atmosphere, Ninichi’s Mini Hospital is a great place to start. With its charming jazz melodies and playful rhythms, it’s a perfect example of how jazz can make a game feel warm, engaging, and uniquely memorable.

Top 10 Fantasy Music Albums for Game Soundtracks

Fantasy music has the extraordinary ability to transport us to magical realms, awaken our imaginations, and enhance the emotional depth of the stories we experience. When it comes to video games, the right soundtrack can elevate the entire gaming experience, providing a sense of wonder and immersion. If you're a fan of fantasy worlds and epic soundscapes, this list of 10 essential fantasy music albums is for you—featuring a mix of iconic game scores and a lesser-known gem: Fantasy Dreams by Ninichi.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Jeremy Soule)

Jeremy Soule’s Skyrim soundtrack is a cornerstone of fantasy game music. From the thrilling and dramatic Dragonborntheme to the haunting and serene Far Horizons, this soundtrack brings the vast open world of Skyrim to life. The orchestral score encapsulates the rugged beauty of the Nordic landscape, making it one of the most memorable fantasy scores in gaming.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival)

The music in The Witcher 3 is as rich and multifaceted as the world it inhabits. Blending dark, atmospheric tones with sweeping orchestral moments, the soundtrack masterfully complements the game’s gritty, yet magical, narrative. Tracks like Priscilla’s Song and Silver for Monsters are emotional and evocative, reflecting the game's deep lore and intense drama.

3. Chrono Trigger (Yasunori Mitsuda)

Chrono Trigger’s music is a true masterpiece, mixing genres from classical orchestral arrangements to jazz and rock influences. Yasunori Mitsuda’s timeless score provides the perfect soundtrack to the game’s time-traveling adventure. The legendary Chrono Trigger theme and emotional Frog’s Theme stand out as some of the most iconic tracks in gaming history.

4. Final Fantasy VII (Nobuo Uematsu)

Nobuo Uematsu’s compositions for Final Fantasy VII are deeply emotional and grand in scale. From the intense battle themes to the serene, contemplative tracks like Aerith’s Theme, the soundtrack complements the game’s rich storyline and complex characters. The iconic One-Winged Angel remains one of the most dramatic pieces in video game music.

5. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Joe Hisaishi)

Joe Hisaishi, the composer behind many of Studio Ghibli’s films, brings his unique style to Ni No Kuni, creating a magical and whimsical soundtrack that fits perfectly within the game’s charming world. From the stirring Main Themeto the sorrowful Nightmares, Hisaishi’s score amplifies the emotional beats of this beautiful RPG, adding layers of magic and nostalgia.

6. Dark Souls (Motoi Sakuraba)

The Dark Souls soundtrack is as haunting and atmospheric as the game’s grim, unforgiving world. Motoi Sakuraba’s minimalist and eerie score plays a key role in building tension throughout the game. With tracks that echo the bleakness and danger of the environment, such as Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, the music plays a crucial role in setting the game’s oppressive tone.

7. Shadow of the Colossus (Kow Otani)

Kow Otani’s soundtrack for Shadow of the Colossus is understated, yet incredibly powerful. The score, with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and haunting melodies, mirrors the game’s vast, lonely landscapes and the colossal foes you face. Tracks like The Opened Way capture the sense of awe and scale, while the quieter moments add emotional depth to the experience.

8. Horizon Zero Dawn (Joris de Man, The Flight, Niels van der Leest)

With its breathtaking world of robotic creatures and vast landscapes, Horizon Zero Dawn benefits from a soundtrack that blends tribal rhythms, orchestral compositions, and electronic elements. The music reflects Aloy’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world, with memorable tracks like Aloy’s Theme evoking both the wonder and tragedy of her story.

9. Dragon Age: Inquisition (Trevor Morris)

Trevor Morris’ Dragon Age: Inquisition score captures the grandeur and emotional complexity of the game’s world. From the heroic and inspiring The Inquisitor’s Theme to the eerie and melancholic The Winter Palace, the music complements the game’s sweeping narrative and political intrigue, while also providing a sense of deep fantasy adventure.

10. Fantasy Dreams (Ninichi)

Ninichi’s Fantasy Dreams is a stunning fantasy album that brings together lush orchestral soundscapes, rich melodies, and magical atmospheres. Unlike traditional game soundtracks, Fantasy Dreams is a standalone album that evokes the same emotional depth and wonder you’d expect from a great fantasy game score. Tracks like City on Air and Clouds of Wonder are gentle yet evocative, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports listeners to far-off lands. This album showcases Ninichi’s unique ability to blend fantasy, tranquility, and a sense of adventure, making it a perfect addition to any fantasy music lover’s collection.

These 10 albums represent some of the finest music in the fantasy genre, offering sweeping orchestral scores, emotional melodies, and dynamic compositions that elevate their respective games to unforgettable heights. Whether you’re revisiting your favorite titles or discovering new musical gems like Ninichi’s Fantasy Dreams, these soundtracks will take you on epic journeys into magical worlds that will stay with you long after the music fades.

Hiring a Composer for Your Game: Key Considerations for Success

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!

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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.

How to Write a Great Music Brief for a Composer

By Ninichi | Contact | Follow

Are you thinking of working with a composer for your game, film or commercial? If so, it will be really helpful for both you and them to create a clear brief to work together from. This will help to ensure that you are thinking along the same lines, are both working from the same set of information and it may also help to clarify your thoughts.

Here are a few things to make sure you include in your composer brief:

Information about your project

Include details and background about you and your project.

• What is it called?

• What is it about?

• Who is it for?

• What are you trying to do with it?

• What are your plans for it?

• What does it look like?

Make sure that you include everything that is important to you about the project, where it comes from, your vision for it and anything else that comes to mind.

Where you are at with your project

How far along are you in your project and what is left to do? It can be really helpful for a composer to have an idea of what sort of a timeline you are working with and where you are in your overall project.

Music requirements

Give an indication of what you're hoping for musically.

• How many tracks?

• How long should they be?

• What music style do you have in mind?

• Include examples and reference tracks

• Where does the music fit into the project exactly?

• How you plan to use it?

Deadlines and budget

It is often helpful to give an indication on what your budget is or any budgeting constraints you have to work with, and also what sort of timeframes and deadlines might be coming up for you or that you have to work within.

This will help the composer to manage their time, their work and to establish upfront whether or not they can work with you and within these constraints or not.

About the author

Ninichi is a game music and film music composer. She works with talented indie game developers and film makers to create unique soundtracks for their games and films.

Explore this website to learn more about Ninichi & how she can help you with the music for your project.

Follow her @ninichimusic

11 Video Game Music Advice Articles from Ninichi

By Ninichi | Contact | Follow

Hello everyone and a very warm welcome to my game development blog! I’m Ninichi and I’m a freelance game music composer. I create music for games, film and media and I work closely with independent game developers, small games studios, small film studios and more, to help them create custom soundtracks for their games and films! I also run this blog where I try to share some insights into the work that I do, what I’ve discovered from working in this industry and where I pull together resources that I believe will be useful for the game development community.

What I’ve noticed from my blog is that I’ve now created quite a few different articles to do with game music! So, I thought that it could be useful to have somewhere that highlights the best of them all in once place so that they’re easy to get to, read and so that we can all see an overview of what’s what so far!

1. Why it’s Useful to Think About Music Early On in Game Development

When development a game from scratch there are certainly many different elements to think about. Music is one component but it’s also a crucial component to get right since it sets the tone for the game, helps set the mood and helps to immerse people into the whole gaming experience. Thinking about what kind of music you want and how you want to use it to enhance your game early on in game development can really help. Find out why in this article.

2. 4 Ways to Source Music for Your Game

Once you’ve decided to start thinking about the music in your game, you will need to figure out where you want to source it from. One option is to do it yourself but you may not have the required skills to do this well in which case you will need to explore your options. Read this article to find out more!

3. 6 Different Ways to Harness Music in Games

Explore the many different ways to harness and make the most of music in games. Here I try to share some insights into how music is used to connect with players in a game and to enhance the overall gaming experience. Hopefully this will be useful for you as you begin to explore what kind of music you want and need for your game to make it shine!

4. Understanding how much an indie game composer costs

If you are thinking about whether or not to hire a composer for your game, this article will help you understand some of the steps and costs involved in this process. Budgeting for your game and game music are often things that you will need to think carefully about and so this article offers some insight into how composers often price and cost their work and what sorts of things you’ll need to take into consideration when hiring a game music composer to create custom music for your game.

5. 3 Basic but Important Game Music Rules!

Get some tips and insights into what kinds of things you’ll need to be thinking about in order to get the game music right for your indie game! They may be obvious points (or not if you’ve not considered these things before), but they are pretty important to be aware of. Bad game music is usually obvious and can really interfere with the gaming experience leading to people not wanting to play your game at all.

6. 5 Reasons to Hire a Composer for Your Game

Perhaps you’re in two minds about whether or not to hire someone to compose the music for your game. Find out why it could really be a game changer for you. There are some investments involved usually but at the same time, most games do dedicate a lot of time, care, effort and attention to their game music soundtracks and often this involves a dedicated game music composer who’s job it is to create that amazing soundtrack!

7. How Different Video Games Use Music

After being interviewed and asked by the BBC about how I go about writing music for games and what sorts of ways different games use music, I thought that I would write up some of the things I discussed and also have experienced. This article outlines a variety of ways that music is used in different types of games and are probably things worth thinking about and considering when putting together your game music soundtrack.

8. How to Choose the Right Music for Your Game

Now we’ve established just how important game music can be, you’ll probably be wondering how to select the right kind of music for your particular game and for each part of it. This is tricky to offer general advice around since each game is very different but in this article I try to offer some ideas to get you started hopefully on the right track.

9. 3 Mistake to Avoid When Creating Music for Your Game

It’s easy to make some mistakes when it comes to game music especially if it’s not your area of expertise. Hopefully if you were working with a good composer they will be able to help you avoid all of these automatically but if not, these are some things to be aware of.

10. 5 Top Tips for Hiring a Game Music Composer for the First Time

For those who haven’t hired a game music composer, this article is designed to help you! It’s not always easy to understand the process or to know what to expect from a composer if you haven’t worked with one before and so hopefully this article with give you an idea of how to approach the whole topic and how to find the right composer for you.

11. How to Communicate Effectively with a Composer

Communication is so important when it comes to working with anyone in game development or in any project. If you do decide to hire a composer (or any other freelancer), it’s incredibly important to know how best to communicate with them in order to get the best results. Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of your relationship with your composer. It requires you to describe your vision, know what i tis that you want from them and to talk openly to them as you work together to build the music for your game.

I really hope that you find some of these articles useful. There are more that are scattered around the blog and so feel free to use the search bar to look for specific topics if you didn’t find what you wanted here or if you simply want to see what other articles there are on the site. Whichever stage you are at with your game development, I wish you the best of luck with it and encourage you deeply to spend a bit of time on the music side of things and not to leave it to the last minute! Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog and do stay connected with me on Twitter and Instagram!

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About the author: Ninichi is a freelance UK-based indie game music composer. She works with indie game developers and indie filmmakers to create soundtracks for video games, film & media. She can compose in a wide range of styles & loves getting involved in new projects. Find out more about her game music or royalty free music and contact her to discuss your project and music needs.

Follow her @ninichimusic