Here’s a pointer to a paper in which we examine how to design nonlinear music systems that allow for music events to coincide and correspond with dynamically changing game events. We address the challenges of connecting nonlinear music systems to gameplay and distinguish three approaches for timing time music events and game events: Trail, Sync and Lead. We explore these three approaches in the design case study Gluddle versus The Supervision, a game created by the authors. Our preliminary findings illustrate the benefits of combining Trail, Sync and Lead, positively influencing the game experience, but also the need for extra attention to gameplay balance and technical implementation.
Download The Game Pulse – Timing Game Events and Music Events
By Richard van Tol and Sander Huiberts – Proceedings Innovation In Music 2013. Innovation In Music 2013. Edited by R. Hepworth-Sawyer, J.Hodgson, R. Toulson & J.L. Paterson. ISBN 978-0-9561516-8-1