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Brendon Williams (Senior Composer, Riot Games)
Jason Walsh (Composer, Riot Games)
Location: Room 3002, West Hall
Date: Tuesday, March 21
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass, Audio Pass
Topic: Audio
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: Intermediate
For video game composers, writing nonlinear and interactive music often makes up the majority of the work. However, writing linear, thematic compositions is an extremely important part of what game composers do—themes are key for establishing a game's sonic identity, composer auditions, and head-turning reels, and are frequently the most shared and discussed works.
At Riot Games, in-house composers are in a unique situation: A much larger proportion of time is spent writing themes due to the sheer number of champions, skinlines, and other special projects. Join composers Brendon Williams and Jason Walsh as they go in-depth into the process for creating impactful themes through examples of League of Legends, Wild Rift, and more. This will cover everything from melodic writing, structure, and instrument choices, to musical sound design and advanced production techniques.
Attendees will leave with a selection of concepts and techniques for writing more impactful themes, and an understanding of how to utilize themes to strengthen sonic identity of games and characters. This will cover everything from melodic writing, instrument choices, and structure, to music production and musical sound design.
This is for composers seeking to improve their thematic writing and music production skills, as well as anyone else interested in learning about how music can be used to enhance emotional engagement in games. A basic knowledge and familiarity with music terminology, concepts, software, and technology will be assumed.