GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Taking Risks and Raising Emotional Stakes: The Music of 'Still Wake The Deep'
Jason Graves (Composer, Jason Graves Music. Inc.)
Location: Room 3018, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 20
Time: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Audio Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Audio
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
Composer Jason Graves, working closely with Chinese Room Audio Director Daan Hendricks and Music Editor/Sound Designer Francesco Del Pia, crafted a one-of-a-kind score for Still Wakes The Deep" that includes a custom-built Moog Synthesizer, a bespoke metal sculpture designed after the oil rig in the game, and a small but powerful ensemble of live musicians. This panel will illustrate the creative and technical risks taken and ultimately achieved to raise a very personal, emotional bar for the player - something horror games can easily ignore.
Takeaway
Attendees will discover how a successful working relationship between Audio Director, Sound Designer, and Composer can further heighten and emotionally charge the player's experience. Practical, real-world obstacles and solutions will both educate and inspire the audience to experiment and explore new avenues of creativity and music implementation.
Intended Audience
Ideal attendees include composers, audio directors, and music supervisors at any experience level, plus anyone curious about music and its relationship with sound design in games. Both technical and creative approaches to crafting an original score will be covered. The general scope of the talk will be accessible to anyone.