In this particular multi-sound module, we would put the notes C, E, G, and Bb (exported in step #1) in the playlist, and select random playback. That means going through your music, and if you have a C7 chord from 5.6 seconds to 8.3 seconds, you should put a multi-sound module on the SongPosition parameter lasting from 5.6 units to 8.3 units. You need to add a multi-sound module for every chord in your song. What this essentially does is turn our parameter into a timeline.ģ) This next step is tedious, but it’s also the core of this technique. The return value of this function will feed the SongPosition parameter.

This is done using a function in FMOD Studio’s API called getTimelinePosition(), which returns the playhead position in seconds. The reason the parameter range is the same as the song duration is because we are going to feed the timeline position of our music to our SongPosition parameter. Thus, if you’re going to estimate, overestimate rather than underestimate. Technically, setting the maximum range greater than the song duration is fine (the extra information just won't be used). Instead, create a new parameter called “SongPosition”, and make its range the duration of your music in seconds.

Then, create a Collectible event, but don’t put anything in the timeline. Create a Music event, and drop your music in there. These will be called back later in FMOD Studio using multi-sound modules.Ģ) This process requires two events in FMOD Studio. You need to export single-note audio files for every note in the harmony of your music. The process for this is outlined below.ġ) The first step for this process is during the sound design. Although this attention to detail can develop a richer soundscape, technical precision is essential for success. While this approach may not be desirable in every project, when musical score is used to drive the tone and mood of a game, this effect can embellish the player’s experience. In this game, when the player picks up a collectible, it plays a random note from the current chord in the background music. As an example, I will be referring to my sound design for the game Alatheia. If you’re using FMOD Studio for your project, you can use its API to achieve this effect. To navigate this challenge, one strategy that may be used is synchronizing sound effects with the chord progressions of a game’s background music.

Creating a cohesive soundscape for a game is a difficult task.

Fmod designer