Idea Collection for Video Update on Music and Sound

Story & Setting
#1

Hello,

since Jan Valta has confirmed that there are plans to make a video update concerning the music in KC:D, I’d like to collect some input from the community on which aspects could be covered.

As it’s me introducing into the topic, I want to share with you some general points of view regarding music and the soundtrack in video games. For me it’s very strange that music and sound is considered or subsumed around the “atmosphere” aspect in most cases which is a nice boon but doesn’t attract even a margin of the gamers or medias attention. I believe this is inherently wrong. Music (in video games) evokes a feeling which isn’t outdated even after ten years of technical development. Music and the sound stays in your mind when not playing and confers greatly to the immersion when playing. Of course, you might disagree with my opinion and I have to confess that I’m somewhat biased about the significance of the music due to my favourite hobby. But even if you are not or very little interested, it might be advantageous to share some of your thoughts and - when the update is done - learn something about the complex.

Here are my interests for the update, please feel free to discuss their relevance and/or add more:

  1. General work on the soundtrack, from the idea to the score to the rehearsals.

  2. Outlining a general concept (if there is); what themes/motifs will be used; are there restrictions concerning instrumentation, musical character; explain a bit more detailed about the “blending” of music tracks between regions which was announced (I believe from Dan at the E3 interview).

  3. Do you have strict guidelines for the tracks? Or do you create the music first (f.e. the “Samopse” theme before the village is actually “done” or after in order to represent maybe some things from the world in the music score)?

  4. How much weight has the inclusion of contemporary (14th century) music and its themes? I’m a big “fan” of old music, in fact of almost all what is medieval so I can’t help to ask about that. This would lead - a nice side effect - to some extent to strengthen the educational mandate of the game which is a good thing :smile:

Thanks in advance for your attention, your thoughts and your patience to bear with the rough English.

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E3 Trailer | Kingdom Come Deliverance(YouTube)
#2

Process of creating the motifs, choice of instruments for the soundtrack, how a recording of the orchester looks like and maybe he can present with Adam Sporka the dynamic music engine that’s going to be used in the game.

I guess there will be more of a demo than a detailed explanation. This system which is pretty awesome includes some trade secrets that are not going to be shared publicly. But I can tell you that the system from what I’ve heard so far is pretty neat and a demo is sufficient to give an overview of what it does, but not how it exactly works.

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#3

You realize the first point includes everything listed below?

Interesting point… wIll we hear only “calssic” instruments or also modern ones. Though I am not sure whether or not it would work, but modern instrumens might bring interesting factor int othe atmosphere.
Question is whether it would be imerssion breaking thing.

To add something. I am very interestied in what are the points by wihch you decide that “this scene needs this music”.
And also, will be themes of existing old songs used? like “Ye who are Warriors of God?” , “Sain Wenceslaus” etc.

Also what about religious songs?
If I imagine that amidst of huge battle some a choir would start singing about God’s love and peace, damn that would be cool.

1 Like
#4

Thanks a lot for creating this topic, it’s a great help! We look forward to your ideas about this.

2 Likes
#5

You realize the first point includes everything listed below?

Sorry if this was a bit misleading in the verbal expression. I meant the daily routine “behind the stage” on how the work on the music is done, on equipment, setting, staff etc. The other points are meant to aim more on the music as content itself. I hope it’s now more clear; if not, please report back :smile:

Thanks to Yuusou for concisely pointing on the dynamic music engine, I didn’t know that this is a point of its own. I’m looking forward into this as well, if the developers decide to give us a few peeks.

I hope I can find some time in the evening or tomorrow to sort the thoughts of mine and yours (and those to come!) out and evaluate a bit. Thanks in advance!

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