Title: The use of generative music in nonlinear music composition for video games

Authors: Alexi Harkiolakis

Addresses: King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK

Abstract: The future of video game music will call for more nonlinear musical compositions as interactive audio technology and algorithms advance. There is a lack of literature exploring in-depth the potential of generative music in a commercial product. The purpose of this archival case study is to explore how the inclusion of generative music systems enhances nonlinear music composition in video games. This archival case study consists of a thematic analysis of Jolly and McLeran's (2008) presentation at the Game Developer's Conference on applying the innovative areas of composing generative music for the video game Spore. The findings of this study indicate that wider adoption of generative methods in video game music provides many benefits but poses new challenges for game developers. Despite this, the case of Spore shows the feasibility of integrating a generative music system into a video game, even if it is restricted to specific areas of gameplay.

Keywords: generative music; nonlinear music; music composition; video game music; video games; archival case study; audio technology; Spore; interactive music; algorithms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2024.135428

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2024 Vol.16 No.1, pp.16 - 26

Received: 24 Jan 2023
Accepted: 30 Jan 2023
Published online: 12 Dec 2023 *

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