How To (Actually) Get Your Music Into Video Games In 2023
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Written by Jaron Lewis
Of all the markets which make use of music to supplement their product, the one that is growing quickest is the video game industry.
If you are a composer and want to get involved in this field then you will need to know how to license your music and how to find video game developers looking for original compositions.
Finally, a good understanding of how to submit music to the video game companies and designers is a must.
Don’t expect an easy route with immediate returns. You will need to have a thick skin and be prepared to cope with rejection. Politeness and professionalism are all.
Use Tunecore's Publishing Opportunities
Many people know that they can use Tunecore to upload their music to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and the popular music streaming platforms.
But Tunecore is also a quite large music licensing & publishing company.
You pay a $75 one time fee and get to submit unlimited music for placement in Film, TV, & Video Games.
They've placed songs in a bunch of TV shows and movies like FX's Atlanta, TBS's Conan, Lethal Weapon, Amazon Echo, and Jimmy Fallon just to name a few.
They take a 15% cut of the royalties and a 20% cut of the sync licensing check, but these are inconsequential to the value you get with the service.
You can get started by uploading your tracks to Tunecore, then submit them for opportunities after you've uploaded.
Licensing Songs For Video Games
This is the process by which you give permission for a company or developer to use your product. It is a good point to start, once composition is complete, because it gives you an idea of what you want to achieve. Your expectations might have to be flexible however.
You can license work yourself, or make use of a third party to do it on your behalf. If you are working alone, then do take good advice. After all, if a video game explodes in popularity, and you have given the right to use your music for peanuts, you will regret it. Equally, you will need to be realistic in the early stages of your career. A quick surf online will give you an idea of the sorts of things you will need to consider, such as term limits, credits and whether you receive royalties or a one off payment for your piece.
The advantage of a third party is that they will look after the legal side on your behalf, and could well get your music to a wider audience. But you will pay (sometimes an upfront charge, more often a percentage of your fee) for the service.
How To Find Video Game Developers
There are many developers out there, and plenty of composers. The challenge is, like finding a date, to discover that spark. You can help the process by thinking about the kind of game your music will work for and targeting companies that produce this genre of video.
That involves lots of research. Contact the company or developer directly, by name, and say exactly how your music will enhance products they create. Keep communication short, and if you send a sample, make sure that it will download really quickly and easily.
A second option is, as suggested above, to licence your product through a third party supplier, for example a website such as indiegamemusic.com – there are a number of choices. That way, the developer might find you. Upwork is another site that links freelance composers with the clients they seek.
Another route, particularly when you are starting out, or if your motivation is just to get your music out there, is to submit to a library. It will probably mean giving up control of your composition however.
Submitting Your Music
If you are already using a third party link, such as Tunecore, then once the contract is agreed, they will help the process.
Where you have found the client yourself, and have agreed terms, communicate, communicate and then communicate some more on the technical side. Professionals are very busy, and they would prefer to spend time making sure that your composition gets to them accurately, than have to wait for you as you keep getting it wrong.
Have fun composing!
When your song is ready to go, it's time to start promoting it to potential fans! Omari has the best organic promotion services money can buy. With packages for Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, we will get your music the traffic and attention it deserves! Click below for more information.
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14 replies to "How To (Actually) Get Your Music Into Video Games In 2023"
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I have always been interested in being creative with music by composing instrumentals that are generally not the norm. Due to this many compositions are quirky and although pretty much “out there” I have said tracks showcased on a bandcamp page and I’m now interested to see if any have video game, advert or film potential.
https://www.facebook.com/solosoundproductions
These guys also gave a dope explanation on music for video games as well.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkrZVksYUag6eU3-ArTB_jA
Love the write up, I just wanted to thank you for using my content as a resource.
Great write up, thanks using my content as a resource
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnOTz0RrcmKg0CyvmRyFQwiWtAs3_WHF
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnOTz0RrcmKS-5rG84YP4fkBN2JjhTM0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIfsKXFOCE
Sorry. It didn’t work the first time.
Check out this creepy song and tell me if you think it is video-game-worthy.
Hello I’m an A&R Representative for SilverBack Music Group and we are looking forward to sitting music to movies and games
This Space-western is going Viral! It’s a tale echoed across centuries in stories ranging from Rapunzel to Super Mario. However, this time Haris Cizmic tells it with this ultra cool beautifully matching song. “Romantic Cowboy vs Space Aliens” is a highly entertaining and professional production, complete with a blooper reel. The song and video will leave you looking for another one soon. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtPdlO4jtjw
Check out this drawn cool video about a cowboy with the spaghetti western feeling. Sounds best with headphones! Share if you like! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtPdlO4jtjw
New animated music video by Haris Cizmic – An drawn video for the song “Romantic Cowboy vs. Space Aliens”. Coming 04/21