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Flashcards in Game Music Deck (9)
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1
Q

What was early video game music like?

A

Very simple - or not played throughout the game

2
Q

As technology developed…

So now recent game music is…

A

The music developed.

More like a film score.

3
Q

Give 2 game music composers that also worked on film music

A
Hans Zimmer (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 & Gladiator and Batman Begins)
Harry Gregson-Williams (Metal Gear Solid & Shrek and Martian)
4
Q

What is the main feature of game music?

A

Motifs which are developed to reflect the changing actions.

5
Q

Give some ways of how motifs are changed

A

Sequencing -
Inversion (chord) - Using a chord in a position other than its root position
Retrograde - Version of a tune where the composer takes all the notes and puts them in reverse order
Augmentation - Increasing the length of notes to make the music sound slower
Diminution - Shortening the length of the notes to make it sound quicker

6
Q

How does the texture influence the music?

A

It can show how the story is progressing. It may start sparse and slow moving, then the texture builds becoming richer as the situation builds to a climax

7
Q

Give 3 examples of videogames that have full soundtracks

A

Assassin’s Creed
Halo
Advent Rising

8
Q

What musical technique from film music is also used in game music to represent particular places, characters or events?

A

Leitmotif

9
Q

What can be used to create a sense of urgency or uncertainty?

A

Polyrhythms, cross-rhythms and syncopation

They can represent chases or tense scenes, making the player unsettled