TL;DR:

I created the score and also designed the levels and atmosphere of this rhythm-based video game, the first project like this I've been a part of.

When/Where

2020 - Quarantine

Role

Sound Designer, Level Development

Duration

3 Months

Background

COVID-19 might as well be called COVID-20, because at this point it has completely defined 2020 and sent many on unexpected paths.

NOVA was an unexpected path, in the form of a random reconnection with friends from across the country, and some new friends who needed some help with an indie game they were creating.

This project was certainly an unexpected turn, as I had never worked on a video game before, and never really even play video games myself, but I was excited to see where it would go.

Process

Our platform of choice: Unreal Engine.

I felt slightly intimidated as I began working with the new technology, but quickly realized its potential and learned quickly due to its intuitive node-based "Blueprints" feature.

I worked on creating the assets for the game, including landscapes, materials and characters in an effort to create 3 levels with distinct aesthetics and visual features.

I also created the game's UI elements, menus, etc.

Score

I created 3 full songs (2 solo, 1 collaboratively) to form the foundation of the game's score. Along with these tracks, I created MIDI files which would be converted into gameplay notes for the user to block.

There was a tedious process of balancing that took place after the songs were done as well, to create MIDI files that were challenging enough to keep users interested, while being easy enough to be possible for users to complete.

I also created sound FX throughout the rest of the game, including button clicks, win/loss sounds, and ambient menu music.

The final product

I packaged up the final contents with the color, icon, typography guidelines into a brand identity packet for Austin, and he hasn't looked back since.