Playing with Music (Investigating Emergent Music Composition for Games)

Abstract

As video games have become more dynamic and complex, their individual components have become more emergent in nature. By increasing the potential for emergence in each component medium, the composite video game is likely to become more emergent, resulting in more meaningful play. Therefore, developing a responsive music system that can change based on the emotional state of the player is critical in building deeper video game experiences. The importance of music in video games cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in creating more engaging and immersive experiences for players. This study aims to explore the development of a different type of emergent music for video games, that not only has the ability to invoke behavioural responses in players but can also complement and enhance the player's emotional journey within the game. The ultimate goal is to create a musical experience that elicits a more engaging and immersive experience for players, thereby contributing to the development of more affective and dynamic video games.