Video Game Music Submission: 3 ways to easily get your music into games

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Key Takeaway

Summary:
This article outlines three effective ways to get your music into video games, from collaborating with indie studios to joining game jams and networking at industry events. Learn how to tap into the growing demand for game music and boost your career as a composer. Video game music submissions just got easier.

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The video game industry is growing fast. In 2022, it spent over $250 million on music licensing, doubling what it spent five years earlier. This increase shows just how crucial music has become in video game production. It’s an exciting time for new and experienced composers to break into the world of gaming music.

Excellent video game music is much more than background noise—it creates atmosphere and drives emotion. Think about the dramatic orchestral score in The Last of Us or the electronic beats in Cyberpunk 2077.

These soundtracks have become a key part of the gaming experience. If you’re a composer, many opportunities await you in this industry. Especially as more video game developers looking for music are constantly seeking fresh and fitting compositions.

This guide will walk you through everything you need about video game music submission. From understanding what game developers are looking for to landing your first deal, we’ll help you get your music into games.

Why Video Game Music Matters

Music plays a key role in video games. It enhances the gaming experience by building tension, establishing moods, and making moments memorable. Think about how a melody stays in your mind long after you’ve stopped playing. Music helps create these lasting impressions.

Like graphics and storytelling, music has become essential to a game’s identity. As games become more immersive and complex, the demand for high-quality music also increases. With billions of people worldwide playing games, there’s a massive market for talented composers who can create memorable scores.

Now is the perfect time to start if you’re ready to submit your music to video game companies.

Understand the Gaming Industry

Before you send your music to a game developer, it’s essential to understand how the industry works. In 2023, the gaming market is expected to hit $384.90 billion, more than double the size of the music and film industries combined. This enormous market offers many opportunities for composers, but it’s also competitive. Understanding how video game studios work will help you position your music for success.

Types of Game Studios

AAA Studios: Big-budget studios like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts work on large, complex games. They have large teams of composers and sound designers. While it can be challenging to break into these studios, they can offer higher pay and larger-scale projects.
Indie Studios: Smaller game studios with fewer resources often seek fresh, creative talent. Indie games can offer new composers opportunities to shine. They may not offer as much money, but they’re often more flexible regarding creative freedom. If you’re new to composing music for video games, indie studios might be the perfect starting point to build your portfolio.

Game Genres and Music Needs

Different genres of games need different types of music. If you can adapt your style to different games, you can expand your reach in the industry.

Action Games: Action games require energetic music that adapts to changing scenes. Your music must increase intensity during intense battles or calm down during quieter, exploration-based sections.
RPGs (Role-Playing Games): RPGs often focus on narrative and atmosphere. The music sets the mood for large portions of the game, from soft background themes to dramatic tracks for story moments.
Sports Games: Sports games are fast-paced and rely on high-energy tracks to motivate the player. They may also use popular licensed songs for added authenticity.
Horror Games: In horror games, music creates tension. Sounds that unsettle the player and trigger fear are essential. The music must support the eerie atmosphere and add to the suspenseful experience.

Building Connections in the Game Industry

One of the most important aspects of selling music to video game companies is networking. It is critical to build connections with game industry professionals. Here are some key strategies to help you get started.

Attend Key Gaming Events

The best way to connect with developers is in person at gaming events. Here are some top conferences for video game music:

Game Developers Conference (GDC): GDC is the largest conference in the industry. It’s a great place to meet developers and learn about trends and challenges in the gaming world.
GameSoundCon: This event is focused specifically on game music and sound. You’ll meet composers, sound designers, and developers working in the game music industry.
MAGFest: Super MAGFest is a celebration of video game music. Networking with other game music enthusiasts and composers.
Local Game Jams: Game jams are weekend events where developers and creatives team up to make a game quickly. Many composers start by contributing music to games made in game jams. It’s a great way to gain experience and meet indie developers.

Join Online Communities

In addition to events, there are online communities where you can network with developers. Discord servers and forums are great real-time platforms to connect with game creators. You can also learn about potential collaboration opportunities by contributing to these groups.

IndieGameDevs – Join their active Discord or check out their Reddit community r/IndieDev for collaboration opportunities. Keep an eye on Twitter using the #IndieDev hashtag.
GameDev League – This community is found on Discord and Facebook. Join to network with game developers in need of music.
Other helpful platforms include GameDev.net, TIGSource Forum, and PixelJoint, which allow you to connect with indie game developers and other creatives.
Attend events like Global Game Jam to meet developers in person and collaborate on game music projects.

Engaging with these communities can increase your chances of getting discovered by developers seeking composers.

Collaborate with Music Supervisors

Music supervisors play a vital role in connecting composers to game projects. To work with them, you need to understand their needs. Music supervisors want composers who are:

Flexible and versatile, able to adapt to different musical genres.
Able to understand the technical side of game music, such as integration with game engines.
Reliable and professional, able to meet deadlines and make revisions when necessary.

Building a relationship with music supervisors can lead to ongoing opportunities.

Creating Game-Ready Music

Game music is more than just a good tune. It needs to be flexible and meet specific technical requirements. Pay attention to the following key areas to ensure your music is ready for submission.

Learn the Technical Requirements

Game music must meet specific technical standards. The music you compose needs to be:

High-quality sound, structure, and execution.
Compatible with game development software such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

Most game developers prefer you to deliver your music in audio file formats such as WAV or AIFF, as these offer the best quality for game integration. Avoid compressed formats like MP3 unless specified by the developers.

Is Video Game Music Copyrighted?

Yes, video game music is typically protected by copyright laws. However, having the proper license is crucial if you plan to use your music in a game. You must understand how these rights work and manage them through platforms that handle music licensing and royalties, such as Melody Rights. Video game music submissions made through Melody Rights abstract the knowledge about copyright away. If your concerned with copyright, let them handle it for you.

Adaptive Music Techniques

One key difference between traditional and game music is how the music interacts with the gameplay. Music in games must adapt in real-time to the player’s actions and the game’s environment. This means your music needs to respond dynamically as the player’s choices shape the game’s direction.

Two common techniques are:

Vertical Remixing: This method involves layering different parts of your music that can become more intense or quieter depending on the gameplay. For instance, you might increase the intensity when an action sequence begins and dial it down during calm moments.
Horizontal Re-sequencing: With this approach, you can create music sections that seamlessly transition to each other. Each section plays based on what’s happening in the game, such as switching to a dramatic section for a boss fight or switching to peaceful music during exploration.

To compose music that adapts well to video games, consider using middleware software like FMOD or Wwise. These tools let you program music that adjusts in response to gameplay events.

How to Submit Your Music to Video Games

To submit music to video games, you must contact video game developers looking for music directly or use online platforms connecting composers with game studios. It’s essential to tailor your music submission to the specific needs of the studio, whether it’s for an indie or AAA game. Through these avenues, you can significantly increase your chances of success and properly manage your licensing through Melody Rights.

Negotiating Music Licensing Deals

Once your music is ready and you’ve found a potential client, it’s time to negotiate a licensing deal. Protect your rights and ensure you get paid fairly by understanding the basics of music licensing for video games.

Key Terms in Licensing

Scope of Work: The contract should define the number of tracks, the music duration, deadlines, and specific requirements.
Revision Rights: This is usually an agreement about how many revisions you’ll make. A typical contract allows for up to three rounds of revisions.
Usage Rights: You need to clearly outline where and how your music will be used. This can include video game levels, trailers, or additional content.
Credit Attribution: This will ensure you are credited for your work in the game.

Types of Licenses

When you license music for games, there are two main types of licenses to be aware of:

Synchronization License (Sync License): This license covers the rights to sync your music with the game’s visuals. It gives the developer permission to use your track for the game’s soundtrack.
Master Use License: This allows developers to use a specific recording of your music in their game.

Understanding Payment Structures

Payment varies depending on the project size, your experience, and the type of game. New composers can expect the following payment range:

New Composers: $100–$200 per finished minute.
Experienced Composers: $1,000 or more per minute.
Indie Games: $3,000–$5,000 per project.

Since royalties from game music are rare, aim for a strong upfront payment to secure fair compensation for your work.

Managing Royalties with Melody Rights

Navigating the complex landscape of licensing and royalties can be challenging. Melody Rights makes this process simpler. Melody Rights helps composers:

Manage music licensing agreements.
Track royalties across multiple platforms.
Ensure prompt and fair payments.

By using Melody Rights, you can spend more time composing and less time worrying about business details.

Final Thoughts

The video game music industry offers immense potential for composers. Here are a few takeaways:

Build relationships through networking, attending conferences, and engaging with online communities.
Master the technical aspects of game music, like adaptive techniques and DAWs.
Protect your work with clear licensing agreements and be prepared to negotiate for fair compensation.

By following these tips, your music could soon be part of a game that players remember for years. Start today by participating in game jams, building your portfolio, or contacting developers. Your music will find its way into tomorrow’s games with the right strategies.

Video games are a powerful way for musicians to reach new audiences and earn revenue.

In-game music placements, live gaming events, and YouTube playthroughs create lasting exposure. As the industry grows, so do opportunities for composers. Building relationships with game developers is key.

Protect your rights, understand licensing, and stay ahead of industry trends. With the right approach, your music can become part of the gaming world and leave a lasting impact.

How do I pitch my music to video games?

To pitch your music to video games, first research the game’s style and needs. Create a customised demo reel that aligns with the game’s sound and themes. Many game developers and music supervisors provide specific submission guidelines, such as using submission portals or social media rather than emails. Always ensure you follow the studio’s preferred submission method to increase your chances of success.

Can I send my music to video game companies?

Yes, you can send your music to video game companies. Game studios, which develop and produce video games, often have specific submission guidelines for music. Research and find the right contacts within the studio to increase your chances, such as music supervisors or composers. Networking through industry events and online communities can also help you connect with the right people and opportunities. Just be aware, some of these companies have tedious processes for video game music submissions.

How much do game companies pay for music?

Payments for video game music can vary widely. Indie games may pay anywhere from $100 to $500 per track, while larger AAA games may offer $1,000 or more per minute of music. Licensing deals and contracts can significantly impact earnings, with factors like project budget, game type, and negotiation terms affecting the final compensation.

How do I submit my music to video games?

To submit your music to video games, you can contact game developers directly and use online platforms that connect composers with studios. Consider submitting your music to game jams, music libraries, and licensing services where your melodies can be licensed for use in games. Licensing your music through platforms that handle rights and royalties ensures that you maintain control over your work while receiving compensation for its use.

To sign up for video game music licensing contact Melody Rights today.