Is Music allowed?

[tosk1]

Had to use that subject header just to confuse people ;-)

I've been making music using Music & Music 3000 by Jester Interactive on the PS1 & PS2 respectively. I doubt very much that the license I'm granted in owning the software is compatible with the GPL. However I thought I'd ask before I offer some of my tracks up for using in OA

Would my music be any use?

If not, I also make music on the Game Boy using LSDJ. I'm fairly sure that is GPLable, but would such primitive music be suitable for OA? Thoughts would be appreciated

[Cacatoes]

Saw this for Music 2000: http://www.jesterinteractive.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=688
Seems it's incompatible with gpl, you can't sell and so on ...
Maybe it's different if you use external samples from which you have copyright.

About LSDJ, I think it's GPLable too.
Sure, 8 bit sounds are particular .. ("gift", for those who never listened to such stuff), you can still make us listen I'd say it's not impossible to make suitable music for OA with any kind of source sound.

[tosk1]

Top choice Cacatoes

Top ole. When I get away from a work PC I'll post a link to some of my stuff (wont be in the correct style for OA, but at least it'll give you some idea)

[alokin]

chiptune stuff is totally rad, and some darker-sounding chiptunes could definitely work in OA imo

[Logan]

Personally,  I always  turn off  the  music in  any  FPS.  I never play  with music on  in  Quake 3 and I'm  glad that  the current version of OA doesn't have any.

Music does not help you win! It's all about sound effects. It's clearly very important  to be  able to hear whats going on  around  you.

Music  just doesn't work in such  an environment.

No, It doesn't  set the "Mood"  for anything.  Except your death because some dude killed you cause you  didn't hear him come at you.

[fromhell]

Music can affect your emotions, and emotions can affect the gameplay

[Logan]

Music can affect your emotions, and emotions can affect the gameplay

I agree completely, this is especially used well in a big budget RPG.

This is a game though where all you do is run and gun pretty much. You don't need a big emotional score for that.

[alokin]

Everyone has different opinions of music in games such as FPSs. I personally cannot live without it (UT2004 has amazing music, which really gets me in the game), as I get bored without it (feels too much like all I'm doing is "running around and shooting stuff," I like to be more immersed in the world, even if it is a deathmatch FPS).

But your opinion is perfectly valid too. I simply think an option for music should be in Open Arena, and if developers agree, I'd like to work on several tracks (as I have been).

So what do you say? /Optional/ music - yes, no?

[Cacatoes]

Sometimes I feel I've stayed in a silent room for a too long time, then I play OA but it remains quite austere without music.
I'm not so much hunting little sounds because I can do without while playing CTF.

[Logan]

I agree that music should at least be there as an option for those who want it. I'm gonna turn it off so fast when it shows up though.

Actually, I'll give it a listen but I won't be playing online with it on.

[fromhell]

That's why Quake had ambient tracks and most of Quake3's music were quite muted industrial pieces. except for the dreamcast version where they must use the happy loud versions and more happy music

I don't know what kind of music OA would fit with, but if themed consistency were focused on.. could have futuristic maps playing techno stuff, etc.

[Logan]

That's why Quake had ambient tracks and most of Quake3's music were quite muted industrial pieces.

Yes, I really like the ambient sounds that Quake 3 has. The creaks, the chanting, etc.

I know OA has a couple places like that too, but not nearly enough.

If anything, I hope to see more of those atmospheric sounds over music.