Assignment 1: Game Music Analysis/Critique
After completing the rst reading assignments for this course, nd or make a one-minute video clip of
gameplay with music that you would like to present to the class. In your presentation, address the following
questions:
• What is the name of the game (and level/section if applicable)?
• Who composed the music?
• What type of game did you select?
• Real-time strategy?
• Simulation?
• Puzzle?
• Survival/horror?
• Role-playing?
• Massively multiplayer online role-playing?
• Adventure?
• Action ( ghting, racing, adventure, shooter)?
• Rhythm?
• Other?
• Is the music in your game clip passive or interactive?
• Does the clip contain non-diegetic music (i.e., underscore), diegetic music (i.e., source music), or both?
• What type(s) of music does your clip contain:
• Introduction movie music?
• Attract sequence music?
• Main menu or title screen music?
• Loading or transition screen music?
• In-game user interface, level select, pause, or setting screen music?
• Cinematic (or cut-scene) music?
• Music as gameplay (i.e., simulated performance, player-generated music, or rhythm action)?
• How does the music function?
• Does it set the scene?
• Does it set or augment the pace of gameplay?
• Does it introduce characters?
• Does it signal a change in game state?
• Does it delineate in-game locations?
• Does it increase or decrease dramatic tension?
• Does it communicate an event to the player?
• Does it deliver feedback to the player?
• Does it emotionally connect a player to a game?
• Does it enhance narrative or dramatic story arcs?
• Do you notice the music, or are you enveloped in the storytelling of the world?
• Do you notice music triggers or synchronization? If so, when do the music triggers occur?
• Is the music seamless, or does it jump from one piece to another without transition?
• Does the music e ectively enhance and support the overall experience?
• What information do you think the games audio style guide contained?
• What aspects of the music do you like?
• What aspects of the music do you dislike?
• Do you have any other comments or observations to share?
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Please write a two to three-paragraph response addressing the questions above. Include a link to your
video game clip or upload a video le to myCourses. Be prepared to present your game clip to the class
and discuss your observations.