The importance of background music.

BackUpAndDown

As with a lot of games I play I tend to listen to the background music for a few minutes and then go straight for the mute button. I have nothing against the music in mobile games I'd just rather listen to my own music. How important do you think the background music of a game is? Would you buy a game without any music? and do you think a game like angry birds would be as popular if it just had sound effects and no music?

VoidedSky

I think that background music is VERY important. It is more important to be able to choose if you want it... Because I like to choose to listen to my iPod or the app music, depending on my mood.
~CTM

quantumsheep

CowTechMan said:
I think that background music is VERY important. It is more important to be able to choose if you want it... Because I like to choose to listen to my iPod or the app music, depending on my mood.
~CTM

Very true!

I think games are pretty unique in that you *can* put the music volume down, or switch it off completely - unlike movies, for example.

This doesn't mean that people should be lazy when it comes to audio!

I believe that with games, we are giving people experiences, just like movies. Star Wars, as I've said before, would not have the impact it does without that glorious soundtrack!

QS

BackUpAndDown

I agree but I was kinda afraid thats how people would feel. I'm at the sound effect/music development stage of my game and It turns out I suck at making music. lol

...I guess I was hoping people would say that it's overrated and isn't needed for the game to be good so that I could skip this part.

quantumsheep

Nope - don't skip it!

Go here:

http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/

Free music to use however you like. And it's good too - I've used the guy quite a bit, as have many others here!

The trick is to find the right music. Try looking for keywords that fit the 'mood' of your game.

Listen to as many of those tracks as you can, so you have a choice of what to include in your game!

And remember to credit the guy in the game for any tracks used!

Good luck!

QS

BackUpAndDown

Eh, I always get so nervous using other peoples work... I have no idea how to "properly" credit someone and if my game ever becomes famous I'd be worried that they would try and get a cut of the profits... Thanks for the suggestion though. =S

quantumsheep

Read his FAQs

E.g.

If your project has only music from me in it; you can credit it as "Music: Kevin MacLeod".
If your project has many pieces from different people, you can credit me as "(name of the pieces of music you are using) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)".

Also:
Is this music free to use?
Yes. An optional donation of $5 per piece used is suggested - and highly appreciated.

AppsRacK

I've use some of his music also. That guy have a really nice set of albums. He even have one album just for video games soundtrack.

BackUpAndDown

Alright, I'll check him out and see if he has anything that would work. Thanks for the help.

quantumsheep

That's more like it!

QS