That's extreme and all the more reason to play your own music in the background to spice things up because, even if the devs implement more music, it too will become tiresome fast enough, especially in your case.
I don't understand why the music matter so much to you for a game like Gwent. I could understand it for a "cinematic" game like the Witcher 3, where the music enhances the atmosphere and the story or whatever emotions the game tries to invoke. But Gwent is none of that. It's like a soccer match. Do you play music (in the background) there? No.
So, it's clear that music means a lot to you. However, you are still overestimating the impact it has on other people. Most players do not care enough. It's not off-putting to newer players, it doesn't keep them engaged and it certainly doesn't yield new players.
There is one exception to this rule. However, before I get into that, I first need to make a distinction. Music comes in two flavors: background and (for a lack of a better word) foreground music. Background music support the scenes, but, on its own, isn't memorable, usually, unless it's really epic, like the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. Gwent's soundtrack isn't memorable enough to accomplishes this.
Then you have foreground music, which tend to be more catchy and less cinematic. A main theme is usually a good example. You want to pull people in with the main theme, which is why the theme is being reused in various pieces throughout the game/movie to keep players/viewers engaged. This is the thematic experience, which is a psychological aspect and, more importantly, once again, not applicable to Gwent.
To conclude, when you listen to a piece of music for the first time without knowing the game/movie and you get the urge to find out more about it, then you know the music is good. What does "good" mean, in this case? Depends on the person. I could imagine, for example, that it's: catchy (addicting), cinematic (emotional) or unique.
Because there a million other little things that also need to be implemented and while every individual thing might not take long the implement, the sum of everything could take years. And then it just comes down to priority. Balancing the game and making new expansions has a much higher priority.
"those less technically inclined" What? It's a music player, not building a rocket.
I greatly appreciate your detailed response, really do. And yes, as a software developer (and hiring manager and sometimes CTO) I understand this is not priority #1 for the game. I get that. It's merely a suggestion is all. I'm not up in arms about it. I take it that we're having a friendly debate on a suggestion, and my suggestions are still welcome. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I won't address all points but get to the meat: neither of us have any real hard data on how many people care about this, but you did mention it has been brought up before so I'm not alone at least. That said I did not expect this to be implemented, but I wanted to just cast my vote on something I think is worthwhile. Fair to say, no one can really give concretes on how important this is. I'd argue it would be a huge win, you'd argue the opposite. Both are valid points.
You do ask a great point on "good" music. Yes, that's always subjective. But I'm very glad you asked. The answer is subjective, but one thing I'd like to simply propose to my suggestion is merely adding more tracks, period. Basically, more variety. I get fatigued hearing the same main menu music looped over and over and over since as long as I remember playing. That's just me... I understand that. But I think this is a place where differing opinions are welcome.
Back on topic of good music:
I'd say Witcher 3 was utterly fantastic. Again, subjective but most would agree. In this overall context I really mean music that matches the game play (Pop music in the background doesn't really do it for me, I think CDPR has superb music in their games overall).
All of this is so quite subjective I'm not going to argue all your points, we do disagree on some but there's nothing bad about healthy debate. Again, keep in mind this is just a suggestion. Not a "omg this game is broken" thread.
That aside, let's revisit your previous suggestion. Maybe you or someone could help me get my own solution, and perhaps that would also help some others? My girlfriend and I at the least. =P
I own Witcher 3, and I recently watched this video from Ace of Plays (a Gwent partner, not sure what that means) and I absolutely LOVE the music. Which is some relaxed tracks from Witcher 3. I'd really like to do the same myself, and of course I can play music in the background on my own like he's doing. That would work for me and really add to my immersion and fun playing.
That said, I don't know how he obtained the soundtrack, if it's free, etc...
Any chance you can point me in the right direction? That would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your prompt replies and help and I do agree you have valid points. We both do. So if I could find a way to do the below I'd be spending many many more hours playing.
Here's the video I'm talking about. It's short, but the music draws me in immediately. And it's basically the "feel" I want when playing. Just need pointers on how to do this as I'm sure the music is copyrighted.
Ace of Play awesome music
