5 replies to this topic

[Mystic Realmz]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the gaming industry, and would like to get involved with soundtracking for games. I have 25+ years of music experience, and 7 years of home studio experience. If anyone can offer advice on how to get into the gaming industry , or comment on the quality of my work...I would be very grateful.

So long, and thanks for all the fish!:)

Sonny James

Musician - Composer - Producer

[TheNut]

I don't see you having any problems jumping into this industry. With 25+ years of xp, this is like child's play to you by now. Best bet is to just look for a company and apply. If you want to increase your odds, release a couple demo reels (video games or clips) that use your music. It's a great way to express the mood of your music and how it influences game play. It's also a good idea to put some marketing effort into your demos too rather than just dry run through several games showing off your music. It's also a good idea to show that you have designer skills. Make a lot of effort to show that you carefully plan and design out your music. Write a little section on your site, or at least on your resume, how you work from start to finish. This will separate you from the dime a dozen musicians to one who knows how to play the game.

It's also a good idea to play a few games and know the industry. The worst thing you can do is apply to a video game company and tell the interviewer you don't play games. You may laugh at this, but I've seen it happen.

[anubis]

Am I blind, or didn't your provide a link to your work ?

[TheNut]

It's in his profile :lol:

[karligula]

Tricky thing about being a musician in the games industry is studios don't need many musicians. Nowhere I've worked has ever had more than one guy doing the music. We have maybe one hundred staff at my current place and one musician. And he can do a complete soundtrack for a game in just a few weeks. In fact he tends to wander around asking for something to do!

You might have more chance if you do general sound design too, but even that doesn't generally need many staff. And I don't think music or sound jobs come up very often. There just aren't that many positions available.

Having said all that, I do hope you get your foot in the door somewhere!

[Mystic Realmz]

Thank you very much to all who responded. I realize it's a tough market...music always has been. I'm not limiting myself to video games; however, it was in fact the very reason I became interested in soundtrack work to begin with. Playing the N64 one day, I realized that many of the games had, shall we say, less than enthusiastic creations for soundtrack music. From there I was obsessed with getting involved. I absolutely love playing games, and wish I had more time to do it. I have only one game to my credit, and it's listed on my site www.mysticrealmz.com . So, again thank you for the kind responses. I care not how difficult the business is...I will be persistent, and I will succeed.

So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!

Mystic Realmz