TL: DR - Scroll down below the line for the FEATURE overview and example links. If you have questions, ask.
WHAT DO WE KNOW?
WHAT AM I PROPOSING?
A layered in-game music system. Separate from promo music (ala "Spoiler" or "Bullets").
This is instrumental music that triggers based on what's going on in the world, narrative or as the result of player actions. Sometimes it's used to set the mood of a scene. Example:
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE MID SOUNDTRACK LAYER? (Regional)
This is music specifically chosen to create a "fingerprint" for each district and culture that comprises Night City. Every area will have a musical style that is unique to itself. Unlike the Base Layer, which is underscore, this layer would be what the characters in the game world actually hear. It's the music that plays on the streets, in clubs, or in stores. Raw in places like Pacifica, glossy in places like Commercial Center. PACIFICA COMBAT ZONE example:
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE TOP SOUNDTRACK LAYER? (Global)
This is a connective tissue for the different districts and could be used to highlight player style. Something like "Night City Radio" that plays while V is driving / walking around. It's player-selected, but it ties the whole world together. It could be as corporate or street as CDPR would allow. Mainstream CORPOculture, SUBculture and COUNTERculture could be included.
DO PLAYERS WANT LICENSED MUSIC?
Short answer: Yes. Let's talk! Or skip ahead to #46 (UPDATED)
VOTE in the poll. Questions and comments welcome. Thanks.
- See #27 for my approach to music (How to ADD to what CDPR is doing).
- See #30 for an example of CULTURE vs. Genre (UPDATED).
- See #19 for info about CLUBS.
- See #50 for speculation on BRYAN MANTIA and MELISSA REESE. (UPDATED)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NOTHING I'M SUGGESTING HERE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY CDPR.
WHAT DO WE KNOW?
- CDPR is creating music internally for 2077. Probably a "Score" (thematic music without lyrics).
- CDPR is creating all new "Soundtrack" music for SAMURAI (popular music with lyrics).
- CDPR is creating other new music too (details unknown)
- CDPR likely has a more elegant system than my proposal (BUT let's talk about CULTURE / Licensed music)
WHAT AM I PROPOSING?
A layered in-game music system. Separate from promo music (ala "Spoiler" or "Bullets").
- Base layer: Dynamic SCORE - Event cues (Marcin Przybylowicz)
- Mid layer: SOUNDTRACK - Environmental audio (Bryan Mantia / Melissa Reese / Licensed)
- Top layer: SOUNDTRACK - "NIGHT CITY Radio" (Bryan Mantia / Melissa Reese / Licensed)
___________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE BASE SCORE LAYER? (Global)This is instrumental music that triggers based on what's going on in the world, narrative or as the result of player actions. Sometimes it's used to set the mood of a scene. Example:
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE MID SOUNDTRACK LAYER? (Regional)
This is music specifically chosen to create a "fingerprint" for each district and culture that comprises Night City. Every area will have a musical style that is unique to itself. Unlike the Base Layer, which is underscore, this layer would be what the characters in the game world actually hear. It's the music that plays on the streets, in clubs, or in stores. Raw in places like Pacifica, glossy in places like Commercial Center. PACIFICA COMBAT ZONE example:
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE TOP SOUNDTRACK LAYER? (Global)
This is a connective tissue for the different districts and could be used to highlight player style. Something like "Night City Radio" that plays while V is driving / walking around. It's player-selected, but it ties the whole world together. It could be as corporate or street as CDPR would allow. Mainstream CORPOculture, SUBculture and COUNTERculture could be included.
DO PLAYERS WANT LICENSED MUSIC?
Short answer: Yes. Let's talk! Or skip ahead to #46 (UPDATED)
VOTE in the poll. Questions and comments welcome. Thanks.
Last edited: