Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Composition for Digital Games
Code MUSI206
Coordinator Dr PA Turowski
Music
Paul.Turowski@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

• To provide a conceptual and theoretical basis for composing game music.
• To provide an overview of the function of music in video games, including within different genres and game states.
• To introduce the fundamentals of middleware and game engines relevant to composing for videogames.
• To introduce techniques appropriate to composing for video games.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To understand the role of music in videogame and the design concepts specific to this medium.

(LO2) To understand and implement basic techniques relevant to videogame composition (e.g. looping, transitions, cues, stingers).

(LO3) To understand the principles and function of middleware engines and game integration.

(LO4) To be able to compose short pieces of music appropriate to particular videogame genres or game-states.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) IT skills

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Adaptability

(S5) Time and project management; organization skills.


Syllabus

 

Topics covered in this module include:
• Historical and social context; genre and style
• Introduction to industry-standard authoring software – Logic, Unity
• sound design – cues, mixing, variation
• linear music strategies – loops, transitions, stingers
• Interactive music – dynamic and modular composition, game states, design logic


Teaching and Learning Strategies

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures introduce key concepts and techniques and will include short creative exercises that build toward the assessments.

Teaching Method 2 - Workshop
Description: Workshops allow for individual and small-group supervised practical work and are delivered live in Music’s Mac Suites.

Teaching Method 3 – Tutorial
Description: One-on-one tutorials provide additional help with class topics and feedback on work-in-progress.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     1

    12

22

35
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 115
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Dynamic sounds and music for a premade or custom game project, plus text commentary. Original music and sound, plus text commentary. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for     60       
Fixed assets (sounds and looping music) for a provided game project. plus text commentary. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous as    40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.