Do we really want to pay for music? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Ramus

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Florida

Zero Tolerance

W/Mo

04 Jun 2005 at 08:18 - 1

From what I can tell, there are no other discussions about the new, "Music Expansions" introduced in Fansite Friday #45 here so I figured I would start it. (At 4:20 am in the morning when I should be sleeping

)

I am not for or against this yet, because its new, and it hasn't been done. But first off, I do not pay for my own normal-music, so im not sure I would ever want to pay for "game" music. (I still use radio, internet radio, satellite radio, etc)

There are a few ups and downs to this, some of the downsides worry me.

Upside: Obviously, more music. Some mmorpgs are very lacking in the music/sound department. This may give them incentive to do something more and go the extra mile.

Downside: Games will do the same thing they do with, "Patches". Release a game not so complete and just add music when they feel, and charge us for it. Also there was mention of a "special edition" of the music x-pac with 4 different songs, perhaps us who purchased the "collectors edition" of the game should receive this free of charge?

To wrap it up, I think its a very new idea and i'm willing to see where it goes. Personally I think after the first time listening to a track of music, we really just block it out from there on and concentrate on the game. Of course, we all have the choice not to purchase music. So at least it is not forced.

I am very neutral on it still, looking forward to hearing what others think.

Corwin_Andros

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2005

Florida

Wayward Wanderers

W/E

04 Jun 2005 at 09:09 - 2

THere's music in GW???

Just kidding.. the soundtrack stuff is great, but like Ramus said.. after a few minutes I completely tune it out anyhow. I get busy listening for enemies or nifty sounds like dye drops.

Sekkira

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canberra, AU

04 Jun 2005 at 09:24 - 3

I wouldn't mind paying for it as part of the expansion, but alone, forget it.

Vermilion Okeanos

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 09:25 - 4

For me... I would really need some samples... If I really like the music, yes you can have my money

Deagol

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2005

Denmark

04 Jun 2005 at 09:29 - 5

I have no problems with paying for additional music... I just want to see (and hear) the details first. If the music is tied closely to the game, adds to the right mood for the various areas and is not too expensive, I'll probably buy it.

Xellos

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Mar 2005

No Idea

04 Jun 2005 at 10:03 - 6

I doubt competitive PVP players would like to hear music while speaking over voice comm.

Axehilt

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 11:03 - 7

Jeremy Soule's a pretty awesome artist. Too bad most of his pieces relegate themselves to ambient background music. In the games where he goes less ambient (Total Annihilation and Dawn of War) it's the best music in the game industry.

He'll generally design a pretty decent main theme (Guild Wars, Dungeon Siege, Morrowind) but then have a lot of drab ambient pieces for the gameplay itself - I wouldn't pay for a Guild Wars music expansion since most of the tracks I hear are very ambient and get turned off quickly.

...and yeah, the competitive crowd generally won't play with music at all.

I think I'd rather see the standard expansion format used - major gameplay expansions that also include new music tracks.

Skizzle the Curado

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Mar 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 11:09 - 8

I have dual monitors so I window guild wars and use the other to select and play my own music at a reasonable volume so I can still hear the game sounds. I've found it helps me focus in PvP.

Dreamsmith

Elite Guru

Join Date: Feb 2005

Minnesota

Beguine Guild [BGN]

04 Jun 2005 at 12:24 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axehilt

I think I'd rather see the standard expansion format used - major gameplay expansions that also include new music tracks.

False dilemma. I would definitely like to see expansions include new music tracks, and based on what's been done so far, I don't see any reason for thinking they aren't going to do that. This is in no way an argument against Direct Song, which is also a damn cool idea. I would rather have both, and there's no reason to think we won't at this point.

It's an option. If you don't want to avail yourselves of it, then don't. But how would it be in any way preferable to be denied the option? Why would you rather not have it, given that it in no way precludes the alternatives you prefer?

So far, we've seen this implemented in one game, and that game had a complete soundtrack typical of a game of its type from the get-go. So I'm a bit baffled by any assertions that this will result in games coming with less music. Yes, it's a possibility, but I'll take this fear seriously when you can point to a game that actually did skimp on the soundtrack so you could pay to have it patched in later. So far, the one example we have of a game using Direct Song runs counter to this theory, and although generalizing from one piece of evidence is pretty shaky, it's still better than generalizing from zero pieces of evidence.

Ninna

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2005

Northeast USA

Guilded Rose

Me/

04 Jun 2005 at 13:12 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramus

Downside: Games will do the same thing they do with, "Patches". Release a game not so complete and just add music when they feel, and charge us for it.

purely a what if with no foundation of past games doing this

I like the support Anet has given so far and look forward to new game *options*

Ludic

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

[XoO]

N/

04 Jun 2005 at 13:16 - 11

It's an interesting thing they're going to try and do with DirectSong, however, I'm not so sure I'm up for it. I bought the Collector's Edition, does that mean I'm going to have access to the soundtrack's extra four bonus tracks in game now? Or does it mean I have to pay for the soundtrack again to gain access to that?

Maybe use the DirectSong to allow to player to listen to "pre-release" music for the new Chapters, and allow them to buy access wth the purchase of new Chapters?

cyberzomby

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2005

Netherlands

The Heroics

N/Me

04 Jun 2005 at 13:33 - 12

I dont like the current soundtracks in Guildwars, kinda boring, i got them turned om and listen to internet radio, drum bass or a local radio station.
So im not going to purchase any music in addition.
And like everyone sais, once my guild is going pvping than I dont want music to play in the background

Holoman

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

Mo/Me

04 Jun 2005 at 13:48 - 13

If new music come along with the new expansion pack(most likely, why would they add a new chapter with new areas without new music) then yeah I'm cool with that. But if its just a stand along music expansion pack then no. I listen to my mp3s while playing GW anyways.

Firax

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2005

The Obsidian Kings [TOK]

E/R

04 Jun 2005 at 13:57 - 14

I've got mixed feelings about this. One hand, I love the music in Guild Wars (although it doesn't play often enough... I go too long with just dead air) and would definately like to see more of it in the game. But on the other hand, making us pay for IG music? Music that (I think) we can't even play out of game? And why not have these music expansions be part of the live updates? Granted, I know where GW is coming from; They've got to make money in the interm between expansions. This is a pretty good way to do it, frankly, becuase some people want to have everypossiblething and other just like music (like me).

But for me to really take this, they need to add an option to increase the frequency that GW tracks play IG... Becuase I'm hearing too much music dead time as it is. I don't want to pay for something I'll hardly ever hear.

I'll reserve real judgement for music expansion pack no 1 though; We'll know if it works or not then

~Firax, CoR

Ramus

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Florida

Zero Tolerance

W/Mo

04 Jun 2005 at 21:36 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamsmith

False dilemma. I would definitely like to see expansions include new music tracks, and based on what's been done so far, I don't see any reason for thinking they aren't going to do that. This is in no way an argument against Direct Song, which is also a damn cool idea. I would rather have both, and there's no reason to think we won't at this point.

It's an option. If you don't want to avail yourselves of it, then don't. But how would it be in any way preferable to be denied the option? Why would you rather not have it, given that it in no way precludes the alternatives you prefer?

So far, we've seen this implemented in one game, and that game had a complete soundtrack typical of a game of its type from the get-go. So I'm a bit baffled by any assertions that this will result in games coming with less music. Yes, it's a possibility, but I'll take this fear seriously when you can point to a game that actually did skimp on the soundtrack so you could pay to have it patched in later. So far, the one example we have of a game using Direct Song runs counter to this theory, and although generalizing from one piece of evidence is pretty shaky, it's still better than generalizing from zero pieces of evidence.

Well, that is why I am neutral on it. Because it is optional at least we do not have to participate in it if we choose not to, but what still worries me is what I said. If more games choose to start doing this, you will see more companies spend less time and effort on the music included with the game, and just making you pay more for it later. Which may or may not happen of course, im just looking at it from both ways.

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 21:50 - 16

I love quality game music. I was pondering the same question -- might this system mean that games have minimal music, and you need to buy an add-on to really get the full score? (Does anyone remember back, long ago, when you had to -- because of the clever writers -- buy the hint book to be able to finish the game? Another $10 just to finish what you'd already purchased?

) Anyway, I am leery of anything that means "you get the minimum here, and can only get the real deal if you pay more."

But I don't have the feeling that's how it's going to work. Some people like game music, some don't. Some turn it off after they've heard it a few times; some play it forever. So having a full score in the game is a good thing, and then being able to get more seems like a great option -- allowing those who want more to opt in, and those who don't care to do so to keep to the basics. Like buying a car or buying a car and opting for the sports package.

BlaineTog

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2005

California

Broken Blades

E/Mo

04 Jun 2005 at 22:11 - 17

I'd like to be able to replace the game's soundtrack with my own songs. Unfortunatelly, I don't think it'd be easy to do considering the client set-up.

pionata

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 22:49 - 18

I think Its great, as the importance of music is rather unrespected at the moment and people fail to give it the merit it deserve. One of the first thing I noticed about guildwars was the few music tracks, and I felt the game needed more. In this matter, I think it is quite essential for a RPG that will keep expanding to have at least 2-3 hours of music to build upon.

LoneWolfWinter

Academy Page

Join Date: Jun 2005

04 Jun 2005 at 22:56 - 19

People listen to the music in guild wars? I just throw on itunes (or winamp2 if my computer is doing something in the background and i need the resources) and listen to my various CDs.

Ramus

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Florida

Zero Tolerance

W/Mo

04 Jun 2005 at 23:16 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

I love quality game music. I was pondering the same question -- might this system mean that games have minimal music, and you need to buy an add-on to really get the full score? (Does anyone remember back, long ago, when you had to -- because of the clever writers -- buy the hint book to be able to finish the game? Another $10 just to finish what you'd already purchased?

) Anyway, I am leery of anything that means "you get the minimum here, and can only get the real deal if you pay more."

But I don't have the feeling that's how it's going to work. Some people like game music, some don't. Some turn it off after they've heard it a few times; some play it forever. So having a full score in the game is a good thing, and then being able to get more seems like a great option -- allowing those who want more to opt in, and those who don't care to do so to keep to the basics. Like buying a car or buying a car and opting for the sports package.

Thank's for the reply Gaile, I feel a bit more assured now just because you didn't go all out positive, "This will be perfect". At least you were honest and even may share the same worries if it is done the wrong way. I still am neutral on it, but we will see how it goes.

Dmc1281

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

HOBO

R/E

05 Jun 2005 at 00:46 - 21

I personally like the score. I now wish I got the CE just so I could get the soundtrack.

If they do offer the soundtrack I will probably purchase it. I'm not too sure that I will purchase a game pack of music, like others said, I would have to hear it before I make the decision, but as of late I turn off all music and I tone down alot of the ambient sounds and just have what I really need to hear and put on a movie or other music.

I do like the music for GW it was done very well. Not like some of the other game music that I have heard.

gilyvrysilis

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Jun 2005

05 Jun 2005 at 00:50 - 22

I'll be honest, I turned the music off. It helps some with lag issues, and just gets repetative and boring. What I would pay for is an add on that gives you a built in mp3 player, or maybe the choice of what song you wanted playing in guild wars at the time(kind of the same concept, build in player).

Mormegil

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

05 Jun 2005 at 02:47 - 23

The answer to the post's title is a firm "NO".

/runs Winamp and puts some decent music on

Stev0

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Apr 2005

Halifax, NS, Canada

05 Jun 2005 at 03:01 - 24

I say no.

The music gets tuned out anyway. Some music gets annoying after a while. I would have to say it's the least important part of the game to me. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the music in this game but it isn't the definitive part of the game for me.

Slade xTekno

Rawr.

Join Date: Apr 2005

Read or Die Stooge Forum

W/

05 Jun 2005 at 04:01 - 25

I would buy their new Music Pack #1 if it came with a soundtrack I could listen to in my car and/or import to iTunes.

Caco-Cola

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

College Station, TX

Kansas City Hotsteppers. Hawt!

05 Jun 2005 at 04:05 - 26

Could always just burn the music to a CD.

Or maybe not. I can't even find the current GW music folder.

The music is probably in the .dat file. Not sure bout that one, didn't know it was possible to have music in a .dat file and I can't open it (it's too large for notepad/word).

Than

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: May 2005

Texas

UGLY

Me/N

05 Jun 2005 at 04:13 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corwin_Andros

THere's music in GW???

Just kidding.. the soundtrack stuff is great, but like Ramus said.. after a few minutes I completely tune it out anyhow. I get busy listening for enemies or nifty sounds like dye drops.

I think I'm in the same boat. Plus I'm cheap. Well poor is to put it more aptly.

Antilles

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Mar 2005

Silverdale, WA

Confuzion

W/Mo

05 Jun 2005 at 07:50 - 28

Yeah I'd really like to be able to play my own songs.

Nothing like killing Glint to "Die Die, My Darling"

SOT

Banned

Join Date: May 2005

East Texas

05 Jun 2005 at 08:10 - 29

I'll buy it because I am a fan of, and a collector of, the compositions of Jeremy Soule. I don't need any other reason.

Voob

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

England

Europeans United

E/Me

05 Jun 2005 at 10:11 - 30

Well although I don't really listen to the music in Guild Wars much (I listen to my own), I would most likely still buy any add-ons they release, depending on the cost. I appreciate having the game and it being free to play, with no monthly cost, I'll very happily buy any add-ons they release just to support further production of the game.

With no monthly fee to pay, I'm sure I can spare some of the money I've saved.

evrqst123

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

06 Jun 2005 at 13:49 - 31

I'm not big on the music or anything. The in-game music is OK by my tastes. But I think I would pay for a music expansion just to give it more variety.

Lalii

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Australia

Fight Under No King

N/E

06 Jun 2005 at 15:27 - 32

I generally like the music in GW, sometimes I wish it were a little more musciy though and not so much sound effects type stuff. But I would never pay for new music alone. It's just not viable and not something that will have enough of an impact on me to warrant it.

BrandonIT

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

Dallas, TX

Tribal Instincts

R/E

06 Jun 2005 at 18:32 - 33

Coming from SWG which had NO in-game music except at sunrise and sunset (???), I was extremely happy with GW's soundtrack. In fact, it was the orchestral score on the login page that helped cement my desire to play this game.

If the score came on a music CD that I could add to my collection (as well as import into Guild Wars) it would certainly be worth $10.

Otherwise, I'd rather just wait for the first expansion and see new music maybe added that way.

FWIW, I never listen to any other music other than in-game music. It's too distracting to me.

Xellos

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Mar 2005

No Idea

06 Jun 2005 at 18:48 - 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

I love quality game music. I was pondering the same question -- might this system mean that games have minimal music, and you need to buy an add-on to really get the full score? (Does anyone remember back, long ago, when you had to -- because of the clever writers -- buy the hint book to be able to finish the game? Another $10 just to finish what you'd already purchased?

) Anyway, I am leery of anything that means "you get the minimum here, and can only get the real deal if you pay more."

But I don't have the feeling that's how it's going to work. Some people like game music, some don't. Some turn it off after they've heard it a few times; some play it forever. So having a full score in the game is a good thing, and then being able to get more seems like a great option -- allowing those who want more to opt in, and those who don't care to do so to keep to the basics. Like buying a car or buying a car and opting for the sports package.

I'd like to know if this is just a service for customer satisfaction, or trying to get in more cash. It doesn't sound very profitable in the first place in terms of "hit success", but if Jeremy does a good job, he'd get a fair bit of music listeners I guess. I'm more curious as to why this is implemented, just for curiosity's sake.

Macel

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

06 Jun 2005 at 19:12 - 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axehilt

Jeremy Soule's a pretty awesome artist. Too bad most of his pieces relegate themselves to ambient background music. In the games where he goes less ambient (Total Annihilation and Dawn of War) it's the best music in the game industry.

He'll generally design a pretty decent main theme (Guild Wars, Dungeon Siege, Morrowind) but then have a lot of drab ambient pieces for the gameplay itself - I wouldn't pay for a Guild Wars music expansion since most of the tracks I hear are very ambient and get turned off quickly.

...and yeah, the competitive crowd generally won't play with music at all.

I think I'd rather see the standard expansion format used - major gameplay expansions that also include new music tracks.

Soule's sound track for Total Annihilation was his crowning achievement IMO.. Awe inspiring sound track for a game that deserved more accolades than it received..