Plugin Sounds/Music

[Peter Mosur]

Hey everyone,

So one of the concepts that we will need to think about regarding the IRL plugin are the sounds and possible music that will be needed to make it successful. These elements are oftentimes what make or break a video game and can definitely add to the addictive  and gamified properties that we are aiming for.

I'm gonna be doing research on this. Additionally I have some sound production software on my computer so I will do some experimentation and report back. 

For the theme music I was thinking something epic to highlight that you are doing a big part in something epic (helping save people). Here is the theme that instantly comes to mind for me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyrJg3vaAcQ

And as for the game sounds, I'm thinking that there simply needs to be a really iconic sound for when you submit your tags, and another longer one for when you hit the next "level". 

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Peter

[mad_cat]

I see where you are going with this and while people would identify with a theme like Smash Bros. Mêlée, I would think that kind of tune would make too light of heart in the subject matter.

My recommendation is to go with something like Two Steps From Hell.

Heart of Courage
Freefall
Ghost Brigades
Ironwing
Invincible

I'm thinking we should go more after epic music.  Unfortunately, 2SFH no longer grants permission for use of their products, as they got too many requests.  I do know of a Video Game Composer, and I'll see if she knows anyone who would be willing to help us out.  I can't promise anything with that.

As far as interface sounds, while there should be a fanfare for leveling up, the sounds on the UI should be simple, probably like clicking noise.  Anything more complicated than that will possibly get annoying fast and having to hear a fanfare each time they click submit will possibly detract people.

Level up sounds:

Maple Story
World of Warcraft

[Peter Mosur]

The reason I thought of the Smash Bros. Melee theme was because it felt lighthearted and more importantly, optimistic, all the while retaining that epic feeling. I think the goal would be to give people the idea that they are helping.

The problem that I have with the Two Steps from Hell songs are that they feel too epic. People aren't about to go on some epic journey, they are simply tagging pictures. I was originally also thinking of the WoW login screen music as an example, but I also felt that it was a bit too epic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg2mEKth24o

Personally I think the words needed to describe a tagging theme would be "Positive", "Neutral", and "Epic". What do you think?

Also, I'll do some more research!

[mad_cat]

This will likely be something we disagree on.  From here, you'll have have to make a decision.  I can go for positive and epic or even neurtal and epic, but light-hearted would be the wrong way, but again, that is my opinion.  I wonder what Jane did with her games that tried to make the world a different place.

[Peter Mosur]

I don't think lighthearted is the way to go either, but rather I was saying to focus on it being positive. We will definitely use the beta tests though to figure out what the appropriate music should be. I'll be keeping an eye out for interested musicians!

[mad_cat]

So I spoke to my composer friend and she responded with this:

Heya - sorry so late in reply - super busy! Let me ask my friend who teaches film scoring at UCLA - there may be some students willing to do that. Do you have any more details? How long of a piece? How is it going to be used, exactly? (in game play?)

[mad_cat]

What would you like me to respond back with?

[Peter Mosur]

This is great!

I would send them a link to our page, possible let them read about the idea and see what they come up with.

If they don't have the time to do that, I would give them a brief description. Let them know that it would be for a disaster aid picture tagging application that has an overall video-game feel to it. It will be played while people are actively tagging pictures and gaining levels in the process.

The song should be something which could be looped, and should be at least 5 minutes long I'm thinking.

Thanks!

Peter

[mad_cat]

Honestly, I think we should be as professional as possible and write out a formal request and send it via email.  Sending just a link and let them come up with an idea, I think is bad form and unprofessional.

In this formal request, we should first identify who we are and what we are trying to accomplish now, and then discuss our future plans.  We don't need to go into specifics.  From there, we discuss our current project and how it would work and mention what requirements we have for the piece.  Might not be a bad idea of selecting a few music pieces that we like and linking it in the formal request.

This way we provide all the information we need to in a concise manner and make it easier of the students that could potentially do something for us.  And if they want to research it further, they then have our website.  Having them do the research themselves with little input from us is the wrong way to go as they are students and already have enough on their plate as students.  Plus we are asking a big favor for someone to do work for free for us at a professional level, so I say let us make it as easy on them as we can.

[Peter Mosur]

I'm not sure what I was thinking (I'm new to all of this as you are probably learning!) Also I'm not sure why I only just saw this now. Google Groups is strange.

Back to the point though, I've drafted a letter to send to the students and attached it to this email! Let me know what you think!

[mad_cat]

Don't worry about it.  We all have our own strengths.

After reading this letter, I really feel like I'm making a contribution here.  Not simply I'm just giving ideas, but adding to the project.

the letter is good, a few minor things.  At the end of the fourth paragraph, I would add a line that says: "We are looking to have this be between 3 to 8 minutes long."  The reason for this, is that by what is written, someone can submit 30 second clip, which would get annoying fast, or a 20 minute clip, which will take up space.  We could hope that the students wouldn't use either extreme, but let's nip this in the bud now rather than later.

Dear students, should be Dear Students,

I would remove the three blue links in this.  I see what you are trying to do, but generally a formal request should be black and white.  More than that, what if someone prints this and hands it out, like the teacher.  They can't click on the link on a piece of paper.  What we can do, for the first two, is to have a footnote on the bottom and number the two music piece and in the footnotes, provide the link (still without the blue underline).  We could also take it out all together, as anyone worth their salt in the new age should be able to use google.

The last underline should be removed, and just keep it written out as URL.

You should provide your name at the end like this:

Peter Mosur
Internet Response League
ilikef...@irl.com

Other than that, I think this is exactly what we need.

[Peter Mosur]

Made the changes and attached the new file! 

Feel free to send it, or you can provide me with the email!

I can also ask around, I have some musical friends! Or should we limit it to one class of students?

[Peter Mosur]

Hey mad_cat,

Just wondering if the said class has undertaken the project. I could attempt to find alternative sources for the music if need be!

Thanks,

Peter

On Thursday, September 12, 2013 2:44:35 PM UTC-4, mad_cat wrote: