Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WildStar records score, dishes out free music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/wildstar-records-score-dishes-out-free-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/wildstar-records-score-dishes-out-free-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/wildstar-records-score-dishes-out-free-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WildStar
This week's WildStar spotlight takes the focus off the look of the game and puts it on the melodious strains of its soundtrack. In it, Carbine Studios Lead Composer Jeff Kurtenacker steps in front of the camera to talk about creating and recording the score for this upcoming MMO.

"The recording process is pretty fascinating and pretty complicated, actually," Kurtenacker began. He said that the score starts with his recording basic MIDI tunes for use in the game's early testing. Following that, he assembles musicians to record the proper score, including "cues" (short pieces) and longer tracks.

His favorite part of the recording day comes when there's silence right at the beginning and then the first notes fill the air. "That always to me is a fantastically amazing moment," he said.

On top of the video, which you can check out after the jump, Carbine's provided two free music tracks to download and enjoy: Enemy Camp Battle and Rescue Mission.

Continue reading WildStar records score, dishes out free music

MassivelyWildStar records score, dishes out free music originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosJeff-Kurtenackermp3mp3-downloadsmusicmusic-downloadsncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fiscoresoundtrackwildstarwsFri, 06 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine enlists Chance Thomas to score LotRO, DDO expansions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/turbine-enlists-chance-thomas-to-score-lotro-ddo-expansions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/turbine-enlists-chance-thomas-to-score-lotro-ddo-expansions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/turbine-enlists-chance-thomas-to-score-lotro-ddo-expansions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chance Thomas
If you were disappointed by the absence of new music in Lord of the Rings Online's last couple of expansions, then today is a good opportunity to break out the headphones in celebration. Composer Chance Thomas has announced that Turbine contracted him to create an "all-original orchestral, choral and acoustic ensemble score" for this fall's Riders of Rohan.

It's not just LotRO audiophiles who have cause to rejoice, either: Thomas is also on board with creating the music for Dungeons and Dragons Online's first expansion, Menace of the Underdark.

Thomas' career in video game music dates back to the late '90s with Quest for Glory V. LotRO players know him best as one of the composers for both Shadows of Angmar and Mines of Moria. Menace of the Underdark will release June 25th, while Riders of Rohan is scheduled for some time this fall.

MassivelyTurbine enlists Chance Thomas to score LotRO, DDO expansions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance-thomascomposerddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromenace-of-the-underdarkmines-of-moriamusicriders-of-rohanscoreshadows-of-angmarsoundtrackturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 06 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lime Odyssey dev blog features the music of Yasunori Mitsuda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/lime-odyssey-dev-blog-features-the-music-of-yasunori-mitsuda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/lime-odyssey-dev-blog-features-the-music-of-yasunori-mitsuda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/lime-odyssey-dev-blog-features-the-music-of-yasunori-mitsuda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lime Odyssey - musical avatar
It's time for another Lime Odyssey dev blog, and today's piece focuses on the free-to-play fantasy title's soundtrack. Aeria Games tapped veteran composer Yasunori Mitsuda to create the score, and though this is Mitsuda's first MMO project, it's definitely not his first video game suite. You've heard his work before if you've played Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger, and Xenogears, and you can hear his latest in the sound samples we've got for you after the break.

Click through to read a bit about the themes for Blue Coral, West Tumbara, and Pripet.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

Continue reading Lime Odyssey dev blog features the music of Yasunori Mitsuda

MassivelyLime Odyssey dev blog features the music of Yasunori Mitsuda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesdev-blogdev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playlime-odysseymusicortascoresoundtrackyasunori-mitsudaSat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
The last time on the Perfect Ten, disaster struck the good ship Poseidon and the surviving readers were running out of air as they tried to escape the flipped-over vessel. Also, we were counting down the top 20 MMO themes, but that's of small consolation to the soon-to-be bereaved friends and families, don't you think?

Because we play these games extensively, it's not uncommon for MMO music -- and themes -- to become vilified by the sheer number of times we've heard them. That's a little unfair to a three-minute piece of soundtrack that slaves every day to feed his wife and kids, doing the best he can in a trying situation. So perhaps we can put aside melodic oversaturation to look at these tracks anew, shall we?

With half of them out of the way, it's time to look into the elite of the elite: the 10 best MMO themes of all time. According to me. A guy you don't know. You've got goosebumps, don't you?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two)

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part two) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acallodsallods-onlineasherons-calleqeq2everquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedgranado-espadaguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2jeremy-soulelistmusicperfect-tenromrunes-of-magicscorestar-trek-onlinestosword-of-the-new-worldthe-perfect-tenthemetheme-musictitle-themeturbineultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
As I've well established both here on Massively and elsewhere, I'm somewhat of a nut for video game music. Whereas others might collect vintage hair metal tracks or the latest Justin Bieber opus, I'm always digging through obscure (and not-so-obscure) official soundtracks to games like Wipeout and Kirby. Video game scores can be right up there with the best that the film industry puts out, and the fact that they tie into personal experiences that we've played through can lend them sentimental weight.

So for the next two Perfect Tens, I scoured all the MMO theme songs that I could get ahold of in an attempt to formulate a list of the very best. It was originally slated to be just one list, but after an hour or so of listening to tracks and having friends and fellow staffers weigh in on the subject, I knew it was impossible to keep it there.

Two important things to note for this list. First, I wanted to keep to just the title/login screen tracks so that I wouldn't be working on this for the next 2.5 years. Second, unlike most past Perfect Tens where there's no significance to the order of the list, in this case we're going to have a genuine countdown to the best MMO theme song of all time. And I expect to take no flak about it, do you hear me? Good. Let's begin.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbiowareblade-and-souldarkfalldarkfall-onlinefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiharry-potterlistmabinogimusicNobuo-Uematsuperfect-10perfect-tenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-searunescapescorestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthemetheme-musictitle-musictop-10top-20transformerstwilightwizard101wurm-onlineThu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May the score be with you: SWTOR releases one music track a day until launch [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/may-the-score-be-with-you-swtor-releases-one-music-track-a-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/may-the-score-be-with-you-swtor-releases-one-music-track-a-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/may-the-score-be-with-you-swtor-releases-one-music-track-a-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
A long time ago in a boombox far, far away... your MP3 folder was growing dusty from disuse and laughable with its lack of coolness. The IMPERIAL COMPOSERS of BioWare stepped in to quash your pitiful musical rebellion by offering you a FREE soundtrack piece every day until launch. Also, the evil gangster JABBA THE HUTT is immune to Jedi mind tricks, FYI.

This is true: As a special treat to its fans, BioWare is doling out one music track from its Star Wars: The Old Republic score every day, starting today and going until the December 20th launch. These tracks are available on both on the SWTOR Facebook page and official YouTube channel.

The first track is called The Mandalorian Blockade and is composed by Mark Griskey, Wilbert Roget II, Gordy Haab & Lennie Moore. Give it a listen after the jump!

[Update: It looks like music is not the only thing the BioWare folks have in store for you in the lead up until launch. Apparently, the team is doing at least one more round of beta testing starting tomorrow, so check your inboxes!]

Continue reading May the score be with you: SWTOR releases one music track a day until launch [Updated]

MassivelyMay the score be with you: SWTOR releases one music track a day until launch [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowarefacebookgiveawayGordy-HaabLennie-MooreMark-Griskeymusicmusic-previewmusic-trackscoresoundtrackstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortrackvideoWilbert-Roget-IIyoutubeThu, 01 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Thanksgiving leftovers and what's new in Hyboria]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/the-anvil-of-crom-thanksgiving-leftovers-and-whats-new-in-hybo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/the-anvil-of-crom-thanksgiving-leftovers-and-whats-new-in-hybo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/the-anvil-of-crom-thanksgiving-leftovers-and-whats-new-in-hybo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Anvil of Crom - angry man banner
What's up, Age of Conan fans? Hopefully all of you had an overindulgent Thanksgiving (I'm picturing clusters of barbarians hunched around roaring campfires, gnawing the blackened meat off the bones of whatever game animal happened to pass by).

For my part, I spent the last couple of days avoiding work, gaining weight, and catching up on recent news from Funcom's Hyboria. I've been a bit distracted with various online shooters lately, but I always find myself coming back to AoC because of its unique fantasy world and rough-and-tumble themepark mechanics. Join me after the break for a few recent tidbits that piqued my interest.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Thanksgiving leftovers and what's new in Hyboria

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Thanksgiving leftovers and what's new in Hyboria originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.13.1-patchage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaocaoc-soundtrackaoc-unchainedcape-of-bottomless-thirstconandrinking-capef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhyboriainterviewknut-avenstroup-haugenknut-haugenmusicnews-roundupopinionroundupsavage-coast-of-turanscoresiegesiege-performancesoundtrackthe-anvil-of-cromxfireSun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of the probably-not-very-interesting things about me is that I'm somewhat of a video game soundtrack aficionado. Ever since MP3s became all the rage, I've been collecting my favorite tunes from console and computer games, often replacing the in-game score with my own personal soundtrack.

MMO soundtracks, as a whole, are hit or miss with me. While there are many incredible pieces out there, a bulk of what you find is low-key atmospheric stuff that isn't meant to be on anyone's Top 40 playlist. Lord of the Rings Online has its up and downs as a soundtrack, but overall it really does evoke the spirit of Middle-earth. It's hard to imagine playing the game, especially the early levels, without hearing these tracks.

I've collected both the soundtracks to Shadows of Angmar and Mines of Moria and have been saving them for a special occasion. Today is that special occasion. These were composed by Chance Thomas (who's scored many Lord of the Rings-related games) and Stephen DiGregorio. Ranging from bombastic to sinister to folksy, this score covers the gamut of themes and emotions related to the journey of the Ring. It's cool to listen to it independently of the game, as you can appreciate the score for what it is -- and see how the pieces evoke memories of your times in LotRO.

Instead of individually reviewing all 40 or so tracks, I'm simply going to pick my 10 most favorite to share with you!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance-thomasdrums-in-the-deepelvesfeaturedhobitslord-of-the-rings-onlinelothlorienlotromines-of-moriamoriamusicostrivendellscoreshadows-of-angmarshiresoundtracksoundtracksstephen-digregoriothe-hobbitthe-road-to-mordorthorinthorin-oakenshieldtom-bombadiltop-10tracksFri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA composers discuss musical themes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/tera-composers-discuss-musical-themes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/tera-composers-discuss-musical-themes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/tera-composers-discuss-musical-themes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As game budgets grow, production values usually do as well, and this is pretty apparent in the spate of high-quality musical scores surrounding many modern MMORPGs. Titles as diverse as Guild Wars, Age of Conan, and Lord of the Rings Online boast cinema-style ear candy and instantly recognizable theme music, and TERA is gearing up to become the latest MMORPG to follow suit.

Renowned composers Inon Zur (Dragon Age, Fallout 3) and Rod Abernethy (RAGE, Dead Space) have been working on TERA's score since 2009, and the duo has made use of the Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra and world-class production and mixing facilities to bring the music of Arborea to life.

Zur and Abernethy are interviewed in a new piece over at ZAM, and clicking on the link will bring you discussion on regional and racial musical content as well as personal insights from both men regarding their work on Bluehole Studio's action MMO.

MassivelyTERA composers discuss musical themes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyinon-zurinterviewmusicrod-abernethyscoresoundtrackteraMon, 20 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PLAY! Video game symphony will feature music from Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/play-video-game-symphony-will-feature-music-from-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Are games art? It's a long-running debate, but one thing that can't really be disputed is the artistic merit of many video game soundtracks. The compositional stylings of Jeremy Soule, in particular, are among the most memorable in the growing catalogue of epic game scores.

On June 21st and 22nd, Seattle-area concertgoers can feast their ears on the live sounds of Soule's Guild Wars score (as well as several other seminal game-related works including Soule's instantly recognizable themes for Morrowind and Oblivion). The music is all part of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, and ArenaNet is highlighting the performance on its official blog.

Tickets are available now at the Seattle Symphony website (or by calling 206.215.4747). If you're going, be sure to say hello to the Guild Wars artists on hand for signings in the Benaroya Hall lobby.

MassivelyPLAY! Video game symphony will feature music from Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concertcultureeventsguild-warsguild-wars-soundtrackgwjeremy-soulemusicreal-world-eventsscoresoundtrackThu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nick Jonas is Wizard101's mystery composer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/nick-jonas-is-wizard101s-mystery-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/nick-jonas-is-wizard101s-mystery-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/nick-jonas-is-wizard101s-mystery-composer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The cat is out of the bag and the teenage girls are out of their minds: Wizard101 has announced that Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is the "mystery composer" whom we've been trying to guess for the past couple of weeks.

Jonas both wrote and produced the soundtrack for Wizard101's latest world of Wintertusk, which includes seven pieces of music. Apparently, the songwriter was psyched to be a part of a video game for the first time: "This was a first for me. I never produced or wrote music for a game or in this case, a whole world before. So I jumped at the chance to work with KingsIsle. It was very cool to be part of a project that allowed me to help create the mood for Wintertusk and interact with an audience in an entirely new way."

Players can even meet Nick Jonas -- well, his virtual equivalent -- in the game and watch as his character conducts an orchestra. The world of Wintertusk with all of its "cool" music is currently open for all to experience.

MassivelyNick Jonas is Wizard101's mystery composer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-loves-nick-jonasjonas-brotherskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmusicmystery-composernick-jonasorchestrascoresingersongwritersoundtrackthe-cool-music-pun-is-from-shawn-not-mewintertuskwizard101Wed, 11 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: An interview with Dynamedion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/lost-pages-of-taborea-an-interview-with-dynamedion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/lost-pages-of-taborea-an-interview-with-dynamedion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/lost-pages-of-taborea-an-interview-with-dynamedion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A lot of people like music in video games, and for good reason. Today there are some amazing tracks being recorded by professionals and artists for us to listen to as we own noobs, take down mighty dragons, and explore serene vistas. The world of video game composing even has its own fanbase filled with players who pay close attention to who is making the musical score to tomorrow's buzz-worthy game. I have personally clawed around in the dark for months looking for scraps of information on Runes of Magic's soundtrack. Some fragments have been unearthed here and there, but I was finally able to get in touch with the source.

Dynamedion is the music production company behind many of the tracks in RoM. It has a number of games listed on its resume, including Halo Legends, Alan Wake, Call of Duty 4 and many more. I nabbed an interview with some of the lead composers to try to get some more information about the music in RoM. Where did the inspiration for these tracks come from? Who worked on them? Did they steal all the music from Bardy Woods? Set your metronome to epic fantasy and click to read on.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: An interview with Dynamedion

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: An interview with Dynamedion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocomposercomposersdynamedionfeaturedfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivejeremy-strattonlost-pages-of-taboreamusicromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentscoresongsongssoundtrackthemetheme-songtilman-sillescuMon, 21 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Knut Haugen talks game music, film music, and inspiration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/the-anvil-of-crom-knut-haugen-talks-game-music-film-music-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/the-anvil-of-crom-knut-haugen-talks-game-music-film-music-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/the-anvil-of-crom-knut-haugen-talks-game-music-film-music-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Welcome, my fellow barbarians, to another installment of The Anvil of Crom. This week I've got a bit of a treat for the music fans in the audience -- which is basically everyone, amirite? Yes, I finally got the chance to ask a few questions of Funcom's Knut Avenstroup Haugen, the man responsible for Age of Conan's sweeping soundscapes and evocative musical score.

Even if you're not an Age of Conan fan, you'll want to check out what Haugen has to say about the creative process, musical inspiration and research, and the crucial role that work ethic plays for the artist.

Join me after the cut as we talk about all that and more.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Knut Haugen talks game music, film music, and inspiration

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Knut Haugen talks game music, film music, and inspiration originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-interviewsaoccomposerfeaturedfuncomhyborian-adventuresinterviewknut-avenstroup-haugenknut-haugenmusicopinionrise-of-the-godslayerscoresoundtrackthe-anvil-of-cromSun, 05 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Siege war top 50]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/lost-pages-of-taborea-siege-war-top-50/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/lost-pages-of-taborea-siege-war-top-50/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/lost-pages-of-taborea-siege-war-top-50/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the fascinating aspects of an MMO is its ability to spark creativity. With so much to do in these large virtual worlds, it's almost inevitable that players will create wikis, fan sites, addons and anything else they can dream up. Runes of Magic is no different, and its siege war has given way to the creation of Siege War Top 50. The fan-made website aggregates siege war scores from all guilds on North American servers and spits it out in various lists. It has been consistently popular on the RoM forums for many weeks now and is a testament to how popular siege war is.

Let's take a look at this site and see what makes it tick. Along the way, I share commentary about the site and siege war in general, and you'll get to see which guilds are in the top bracket out of all the North American servers.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Siege war top 50

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Siege war top 50 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenabattlefieldsbattlegroundsfeaturedfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveguild-rankingsguild-scoreguild-vs-guildplayer-vs-playerpvprankingromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentscoresiege-warsiege-war-ranksiege-war-top-50siege-warstop-50top-guildtournamentMon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan soundtrack turning heads in Hollywood]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/age-of-conan-soundtrack-turning-heads-in-hollywood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/age-of-conan-soundtrack-turning-heads-in-hollywood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/age-of-conan-soundtrack-turning-heads-in-hollywood/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Long-time Age of Conan players need no introduction to Knut Avenstroup Haugen. Even though they might not know the name, Haugen's seminal score for Funcom's sword and sorcery MMORPG is instantly recognizable. It seems that Hollywood is finally coming around as well, nominating the composer for a best original score award in the Music in Media category.

Even if you're not an Age of Conan fan, Haugen's Rise of the Godslayer soundtrack (as well as the Hyborian Adventures suite for the original game) is well worth a listen, particularly if you're into big-budget fantasy soundscapes that rival the work of Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer.

Check out the press release on the game's official website, and have a look back at the Rise of the Godslayer Making the Music trailer.

MassivelyAge of Conan soundtrack turning heads in Hollywood originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfuncomknut-avenstroup-haugenknut-haugenrise-of-the-godslayerscoresoundtrackFri, 15 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I have a confession to make: Returning to Anarchy Online was the driving force behind starting The Game Archaeologist. Oh sure, I pretended to be all business-like when I approached my boss and said, "You know, Señor Schuster, we are doing a disservice to some of the older MMOs and their fans by not covering these games, and I think, nay, insist we remedy that immediately." But of course, what I was thinking was, "Pay me to engage in hardcore nostalgia, dude!"

It worked. *cue rubbing hands together and laughing maniacally*

You see, Anarchy Online was my very first MMO. It wasn't my first MMO love, mind you -- that was City of Heroes. But AO holds a special place in my heart as the game that introduced me to the wonderful world of online RPGs. It was tough, near-incomprehensible, and quite buggy at the start, but I've never lost affection for the world of Rubi-Ka.

So after my looking back at Anarchy Online's history, asking you to share your stories, and talking with Funcom's devs, it was time for me to return and see if this world still holds magic... or if it has lost its way.

Gallery: Anarchy Online

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoauto-attackcity-of-heroescoheee-pcfeaturedfuncomgimpguild-warsgwhands-oninterviewipadleetmusicnetbookrubi-kascoreshadowlandssparkleflutter-the-supa-destroyerthe-game-archaeologistworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 28 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For many people, Nobuo Uematsu's name is inextricably linked to the Final Fantasy series. And with good cause -- he's one of the people most closely associated with the feel of the series, with several of his compositions having become ubiquitous even within games he didn't score. Having been the sole composer for Final Fantasy XIV, the newest Making of Eorzea video sits down with Uematsu and discusses the experience of composing the full score for the game.

While Uematsu estimates it's been about ten years since he was in charge of a full score for a game, there's little argument to be had about his suitability for the job. He discusses both the scope of the project and his experiences in composing such memorable tracks as the theme song -- which, in his own words, was sung by Susan Calloway at his own insistence. See more about the music of Final Fantasy XIV in the video, embedded after the cut.

Continue reading New Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu

MassivelyNew Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composingcompositiondocumentaryffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmaking-ofmaking-of-eorzeamusicnobuo-uematsuscoresoundtracksquaresquare-enixsusan-callowaytheme-songvideo-documentaryTue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite MMO soundtrack?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-mmo-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-mmo-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-mmo-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's commonly said that MMO players eventually turn off the game's soundtrack in favor of their own tunes, voice chat or even silence. Most MMO tunes are forgettable the first time you hear them, nevermind the 1,000th, so scores are dumped in the trash and forgotten forever.

Except that's not always the case, now is it? Sometimes there's an MMO with a gifted composer who crafts tunes so ear-catching that you even listen to them (gasp) outside of the game. Sometimes there are MMOs in which you consider the soundtrack to be an essential part of the game experience, and refuse to ever disable it.

For today, we want to hear about your favorite MMO soundtrack. Which is your favorite? Are you in love with any particular track? Have you ever gone to great lengths to obtain a particular piece of music for your MP3 player or a CD? What score will you refuse to mute, even when a cute elfish vixen or lad comes up to chat?

(Bonus points to commenters who provide a YouTube link to their favorite scores -- and to the genuis who thinks that this is a great time for a Rickroll, well, call this a preemptive strike.)

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite MMO soundtrack? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicnever-gonna-give-you-upnever-gonna-hold-you-backnever-gonna-let-you-downopinionostrickrollscoresoundtracktdgthe-daily-grindThu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zur and Abernethy making TERA music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/zur-and-abernethy-making-tera-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/zur-and-abernethy-making-tera-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/zur-and-abernethy-making-tera-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Bluehole Studio and En Masse Entertainment continue to impress with their ability to put together a top notch roster of talent for TERA. The forthcoming fantasy MMORPG will feature a musical score by Inon Zur and Rod Abernethy as well as the Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra. The soundtrack makes use of traditional acoustic guitar, various ethnic instrumentation and vocal performances.

Zur is a prolific composer responsible for the Dragon Age, Fallout 3, and Prince of Persia scores, while Abernethy's extensive body of work includes music for The Hobbit, Alpha Protocol, and Dead Space.

"The general direction for the music for TERA was to have an original score that sounded grand and to match the large-scale in-game world, mixed with some warm sounding music," said Mr. An Yong Jin, Bluehole's Audio Director. "Inon has created world-class quality, epic orchestral music, which is his best attribute; his sweeping symphonic music is outstanding. Rod's beautiful compositions for TERA span a wide scope of musical styles. His expertly crafted blend of acoustic guitar and orchestral compositions is incredible for enhancing the musical atmosphere and their popular music appeal."

[Thanks Greg!]

MassivelyZur and Abernethy making TERA music originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluehole-studiofantasyinon-zurmusicnorthwest-sinfonia-orchestrarod-abernethyscoresoundtrackteraSun, 18 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to new tracks from the Earthrise soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/listen-to-new-tracks-from-the-earthrise-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/listen-to-new-tracks-from-the-earthrise-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/listen-to-new-tracks-from-the-earthrise-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Masthead Studios, the creators of post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise, just reached out to Massively and gave us access to two tracks from the upcoming game's soundtrack. The tracks are titled Flooid and Shiv Out, composed by Pavel Benov who we've mentioned in the past for creating a blend of ambient and industrial music for the game.

Both tracks are electronica, which seems fitting for this sci-fi MMO. When you're creating the music that sets the tone for a futuristic game where the old world is dead and gone, lost to nuclear and biological warfare, something orchestral as heard in a fantasy MMO might not really work. Earthrise is a game about a cloned society of technocratic elite reborn in the far future -- a time where advanced technology dominates and defines the lives of all of the world's remaining inhabitants -- so going electronic with the game's music was probably the right choice. Give the Flooid and Shiv Out tracks linked above a listen and let us know what you think. If you like these tracks, you might also want to check out Benov's Dystopia Sunrise and Lay Waste as well.

MassivelyListen to new tracks from the Earthrise soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercompositionearthriseelectronicamasthead-studiosmusicnew-titlespavel-benovpost-apocalypticsci-fiscoresoundtrackSat, 17 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE soundtrack performed by 16 string symphony orchestra]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/eve-soundtrack-performed-by-16-string-symphony-orchestra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/eve-soundtrack-performed-by-16-string-symphony-orchestra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/eve-soundtrack-performed-by-16-string-symphony-orchestra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The "HTFU" video by CCP Games employees Permaband got all the attention around EVE Fanfest 2009, but there was something else a bit different that attendees of the annual player gathering were treated to -- a live performance of EVE Online's in-game music. The performance was given by DJ Margeir and his Symphony Orchestra; unlike the game soundtrack, some songs have accompanying vocals. It's a very different take on the familiar sounds many of us have been flying with for years in EVE.

CCP Games made the Fanfest performance available on YouTube, and we've got the video of this embedded for you after the jump.

Continue reading EVE soundtrack performed by 16 string symphony orchestra

MassivelyEVE soundtrack performed by 16 string symphony orchestra originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdj-margeireveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2009eve-onlinehtfumargeirpermabandscoresoundtrackvideoTue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys Online soundtrack now free download]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ys-online-soundtrack-now-free-download/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ys-online-soundtrack-now-free-download/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ys-online-soundtrack-now-free-download/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're anything like some of us at Massively, the music in your games really adds something to the experience. While Ys Online may not snag the headlines here very much, it's an MMO based off of a series of Japanese RPGs that reaches back into the 1980s. The Ys IP has also been spun off into two anime series produced in the late 80's and early 90s. Ys Online is still in open beta in Europe, but they're already making the game's soundtrack available for free download. You can preview the tracks on the Ys Online Europe site and download each track individually, or just grab the whole soundtrack as a zip file.

The Ys Online soundtrack is composed by the same people behind the score of the various Ys titles in the past -- Yuzo Koshiro; Mieko Ishikawa and Hideya Nagata.

MassivelyYs Online soundtrack now free download originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocall-of-solumcomposerscompositionsdownloadsfantasyfreehideya-nagatamieko-ishikawamusicopen-betascoresoundtrackysys-onlineyuzo-koshiroWed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy's musical composers Dynamedion interviewed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/black-prophecys-musical-composers-dynamedion-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/black-prophecys-musical-composers-dynamedion-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/black-prophecys-musical-composers-dynamedion-interviewed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Is the music in a game an important aspect of the play experience for you? If you've answered yes, you might be interested in a recent interview we came across at The Prophecy Network with Tilman Sillescu, musician and co-founder of Dynamedion, a company responsible for the soundtrack composition and sound design of many video games in Europe.

One of their latest projects has been to create the soundtrack for the sci-fi MMO Black Prophecy. Sillescu gives some background into the process of composing music for games and you don't need to be a music major to follow along. He discusses what they did over the 10 months spent working on the project which Sillescu describes as 'epic and orchestral.' "We had many people working on the music: 4 composers, 3 orchestrators, a 70-piece orchestra and a 20-piece choir, conductor, solo instrumentalists, recording engineer, sound mixer," he says. "So we went to great expense to realize an optimal soundtrack for the game."

There's an extra included with the Dynamedion interview at The Prophecy Network, an mp3 of Black Prophecy's epic battle music which was used in the recently released cinematic trailer.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy's musical composers Dynamedion interviewed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecycomposercomposersdynamedionmusicreakktorreakktor-mediasci-fiscoresoundtracktilman-sillescuTue, 21 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan wins Best Original Score at IFMCA awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/age-of-conan-wins-best-original-score-at-ifmca-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/age-of-conan-wins-best-original-score-at-ifmca-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/age-of-conan-wins-best-original-score-at-ifmca-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The fantasy MMO Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is a game that's notable for its score, and this aspect of the title has drawn accolades from gamers and music critics alike. Composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen was even nominated for Best Original Score in a Video Game in the Hollywood Music Awards. While ultimately that honor went to Wataru Hokoyama for Afrika, Haugen now has cause to celebrate his big win at the International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) awards.

The IFMCA is an association of online, print, and radio journalists who write about film and television music. Clearly they were impressed with Haugen's work. Age of Conan won Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive Media, this time beating Afrika, as well as Gears of War 2, Mercenaries 2, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

[Via MMORPG.com]
Warhammer Online Coverage Having fun in Conan's homeland? Make sure to check out all of our previous Age of Conan coverage, and stick with Massively for more news from the Hyborian Age!


MassivelyAge of Conan wins Best Original Score at IFMCA awards originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afrikaage-of-conanaocawardawardscomposercompositionfantasyhollywood-music-awardsifmcaknut-avenstroup-haugenmusicoriginal-scorescoresoundtrackFri, 20 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Make your own soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: ,


Music can be either a love or a hate in a game for many people. While I personally think the soundtrack in EVE Online is all kinds of awesome, I know a couple of people who don't like it. They told me that it just didn't sound like what they thought a game like EVE Online should have sounded like. (They were expecting heavy metal/guitar-driven music than the trance/electronic music in EVE.) This morning, we thought we'd ask - if you could compile the music for your game of choice; add a soundtrack everyone was listening to - what songs/bands would you use to score it? Are there any standout songs that just belong in a particular game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Make your own soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eve-onlinemmommorpgscoresoundtracktdgthe-daily-grindSun, 15 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online getting audio revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The music in a massively multiplayer online game tends to be an unappreciated aspect of the gameplay experience. When we play games we primarily notice the visual. Although the ambient sound surrounding us helps set the tone, it's almost always less commented upon. This is a shame because there really is some excellent music that's created for these games.

EVE Online is a game that has some rather unique music that, for some, fits the galactic setting of New Eden. But still, a number of EVE players opt to turn the music off and play to their own soundtrack. EVE players who are really into the music that permeates the game will love the latest dev blog from CCP RealX. He details how he's created the game's music in the past, both in terms of hardware and software, as well as his approach to his work. RealX says, "I tried to make use of the panning as a compositional element, making swells and sweeps come up from behind and sweep past the listener." But he's looking to make EVE's music a bit more engaging as time goes on, giving more players less of a reason to disable the sound in favor of their own iTunes library, stating "what doesn't grow must wither and die."

Continue reading EVE Online getting audio revamp

MassivelyEVE Online getting audio revamp originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioccpccp-gamesccp-realxeveeve-onlineitunesmusicrealxscoresettingsoundtrackSat, 06 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian orchestra records tribute to WoW, Blizzard in general]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/australian-orchestra-records-tribute-to-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/australian-orchestra-records-tribute-to-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/australian-orchestra-records-tribute-to-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Australia-based Eminence Symphony Orchestra (who performed pieces for the soundtrack of the console fighting game Soul Calibur IV) have recorded a vast musical tome called Echoes of War that encompasses virtually every game Blizzard has made -- including World of Warcraft. The international (Australia, United States, Japan) project is made partly out of the proverbial love of the game, but the folks behind it also want to get a young generation interested in classical music by playing "the music they want to hear."

The samples on the website (which include two WoW tracks) are impressive, and should entice hardcore Warcraft fanatics to pick the full package up online. There's a standard edition for $29.95 that just includes the 90 minutes of music, and the pictured-above "Legendary" edition (geez, even video game soundtracks have CEs now) which includes the music, a making-of DVD, a "32-page color booklet" (whatever that means), and nine bits of artwork on cards. That'll cost you $49.95.

Sure, other MMOs have gotten soundtrack albums, but we're pretty sure this is the first time we've seen a soundtrack for the entire catalog of an MMO developer other than Square-Enix; Final Fantasy fanatics proudly challenge even the Warcraft guys and gals in sheer enthusiasm.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyAustralian orchestra records tribute to WoW, Blizzard in general originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcomposereminencemusicorchestrascoresoundtrackworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 17 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan composer nominated for Best Original Score]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/age-of-conan-composer-nominated-for-best-original-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/age-of-conan-composer-nominated-for-best-original-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/age-of-conan-composer-nominated-for-best-original-score/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Funcom's most recent title Age of Conan tends to come under some fire from the gamers who jumped in upon launch. You may have noticed. While players can fault some aspects of the game, it does have some strengths, namely its fantastic score. In fact, the music of AoC has caught the attention of the Hollywood Music Awards.

Knut Avenstroup Haugen, who composed the soundtrack for Age of Conan, has been nominated for Best Original Score in a Video Game, specifically for his "Ere the World Crumbles" from the fantasy title. We also turned up an interview with Haugen about the challenges of scoring Age of Conan, and of composing interactive music in general.
Warhammer Online Coverage Having fun in Conan's homeland? Make sure to check out all of our previous Age of Conan coverage, and stick with Massively for more news from the Hyborian Age!

MassivelyAge of Conan composer nominated for Best Original Score originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbest-original-scorefuncomhollywood-music-awardsknut-avenstroup-haugenmusicnominationnorwayosloscoresoundtrackwarcrywarcry-networkTue, 11 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: The best MMO music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/the-daily-grind-the-best-mmo-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/the-daily-grind-the-best-mmo-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/the-daily-grind-the-best-mmo-music/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here's a story for you: a certain blogger is playing The Lord of the Rings Online. He's in the Trollshaws, and he notices the music -- oft-ignored in MMOs -- is actually really good. It's classy and it's beautiful. Then he starts to think about the music in other games -- the gorgeous and mournful guild hall ballad of Meridian 59, the beautiful and muted arpeggios of EverQuest's Kelethin theme, and the dark and foreboding ancient instrumentation of Age of Conan's various Stygian pieces.

Music is not usually the focus of a lot of discussion or attention in MMOs. A lot of people probably just turn it off and listen to terrible terrible pop rock in the background. But for those of you who actually pay attention: do any particular musical compositions in MMOs stand out to you? What's the best track yet featured in an MMO?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: The best MMO music originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conandiscussioneqeverquestkelethinlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrom59merdianmeridian-59midimusicopinionscoresoundtrackstygiatdgthe-daily-grindSat, 13 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan composer speaks about Hyborian soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One interesting side effect of having a developer like Funcom being based out of Norway is that we are introduced to a whole cavalcade of interesting Scandinavian names. Case in point: they recently posted an interview on their official site with Knut Haugen, the game's composer, to celebrate the release of the Age of Conan official soundtrack on the iTunes store. The soundtrack itself is suitably epic, and you get a robust 25 tracks for the respectable price of $9.99. Plus, you get to own an album by a guy named Knut! Quite a deal.

As for the interview itself, Haugen talks about how he got into composing originally and how he came to be acquainted with the Age of Conan team. He also talks about the intricacies of balancing Age of Conan's ancient, almost primeval ambiance with a desire to convey complex emotions for a situational score. It's an interview that's definitely worth reading, as it effectively relates an aspect of game development that we often hear too little about.

MassivelyAge of Conan composer speaks about Hyborian soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccomposerfuncomitunesknut-haugenmusicnorwayscoresoundtrackSat, 07 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's composer talks inspiration, challenges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/aocs-composer-talks-inspiration-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/aocs-composer-talks-inspiration-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/aocs-composer-talks-inspiration-challenges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMORPG met up with Age of Conan composer Knut Avenstroup at the Oslo launch event and spoke with him about the beautiful score he created for the game. During the four minute video interview, Avenstroup talked about adapting his creative process to the video game medium and staying motivated when faced with the intimidating task of creating three and a half hours of music.

He explained that he wanted to learn about ancient forms of music, since the game is set just before the dawn of recorded history. Unfortunately, he had a bit of trouble because "there is very little material to look into because the only thing they know about ancient music or music from two thousand years ago is based on the instruments that have survived. They are basically trying to find out what kind of music would be possible to play on these instruments, so there's not a lot to go on."

Despite that problem, he was able to draw on inspiration from several cultures -- including Arabic, Celtic, and Nordic -- and the scores of films set in the distant past.

MassivelyAge of Conan's composer talks inspiration, challenges originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanancientaoccomposerfuncominterviewknut-avenstrouplaunch-partymmorpgmusicosloscorevideoFri, 16 May 2008 20:00:00 EST