Key learning points

1. Video game composers must check that transitions between sections work musically, in all possible sequences.
2. Dovetailing of melodies is an effective way of linking sections.
3. Key changes, in particular, can sound unnatural and jarring.
4. When analysing unfamiliar music, we can analyse the use of vertical layering and horizontal resequencing.
5. Identifying the type of loops used and the mood created can suggest what type and era of video game it is.

Keywords

• Horizontal resequencing - where a new section of music begins in response to a player's action

• Vertical layering - where layers of music are 'stacked' on top of each other and change in response to the player’s actions

• Linear loop - a repeating musical idea in a video game that can be looped indefinitely

Common misconception