Xbox 360 custom music controlled by developer

by James Ransom-Wiley { Nov 9th 2005 at 1:15PM }

When we previewed the Xbox 360 last month, it seemed that in-game music was at the mercy of the player. That is, at any time, during any game, the player could access a custom music selection and stream it into the playing field. However, speaking at Atari's GoPlay event in Lyon, an Eden Studios representative suggested that developers could control the use of custom music, just like on the original Xbox. He stated that Eden would not allow players to stream in their own music during the studio's upcoming horror-themed action title, as doing so would ruin the ambience of the game.

This recent revelation seems to go against Microsoft's running next-gen theme, which is something along the lines of: play how you want to play. We understand why developers would want to control access to custom music, and we respect the musical decisions that most developers make. But ultimately, shouldn't the choice still be up to the player? This seems to leave the door open for publishers like EA to ram more of their licensed music down our throats—guess it's back to pumping the stereo up…

[Thanks, Kiel]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chris_C @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

No, the choice shouldn't be up to the player, that's like deciding you want to switch the Star Wars theme with baby elephant song. It changes the developers work significantly.

Just because it's music doesn't make it any less important to the game as a whole. You can't decide you want it to be sunny and 75 degrees in the middle of Doom 3 so why should you be able to change the music?

Mike @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

thats lame. If I want to run around in a zombie filled game with my own loud rock music playing I should be able to. Just because the developers want me to listen to something else. bah. What if i wanted to put in my own scarrier ambiant music? Why not just include the ambiant music as default and still give the user an option to select his own?

Osiris @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Bah you can always turn down music and leave sound effects on whilst having your stereo blaring. You always have been able to since like PS1.

I doubt ill use this feature much, developers choose the music that is supposed to be suited to the game. I trust them enough if its a game i even bother to play.

nk @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

What was that one quote from that Gears of War developer again? Don't underestimate the ability of the user to ruin the game?

Yeah.

ZeroCorpse @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

This isn't a big deal. You CAN remove the DRM. Apple can stop you from using iTMS music in the 360 only if you keep their DRM in the files. I paid for it, I should have every right to use it where I wish.

There are all sorts of ways to remove the DRM. People shouldn't make such a big deal of Apple's decision not to allow DRM protected files on other platforms. They're under pressure from the RIAA, after all, and they know the community will find ways around it.

dvdguy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Instrumental score music in games shouldn't be replaceable. But you should be able to listen to whatever you want during games that only provide songs (like that EA Trax crap).

kilthechair @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

If certain developers want to dictate how I should play a game that I purchased, then perhaps, I won't purchase certain games.

It is the users perogative to listen 'the baby elephant song' during any game they wish--even if it is a Star Wars game.

Regardless, sound does add certain elements to the atmosphere of games, but in the end, if a games soundtrack doesn't please a listener, he/she will just go to their stereo/computer and play their music while the games music is muted.

So, why are they so concerned?

Sense @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I both agree and disagree with this. On one hand, I think music is a very important element of every game. At least it should be. On the other hand, you should be able to do what you want with your stuff.

As long as it's not in a public setting where it ruins the game for others I don't see what's wrong with it.

It's kind of like modding your Xbox. Yeah, you paid for it, so do what you want with it. But you can't take it on LIVE.

Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

"I paid for it, I should have every right to use it where I wish."

Well I bought a katana, nodachi, some daggers, a mace, and flail. I sure as hell can't use them wherever I wish.

You do realize that games are an art, you shouldn't be able to break them to your standards. Either accept the game for what it is, or don't buy it. Just because you buy someone elses work, doesn't give you the right to change it. You sure as hell can't re-edit music that you've purchased without the rights to it from the "artist", why would changing a game be any different?

I vote the way of Osiris, just drop the music volume, max the SFX, play your stereo. It's a very simple concept. If they want to integrate custom soundtracks, they will.

I fear the day I hear Garth Brooks inside of a Final Fantasy title.

Lost_Canadian @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Stop creating controversy where there isn't any. It's not a big deal - some games (like GTA, racing games, fighting games, etc) are suited to popping in custom soundtracks, but some aren't. I expect that most games will allow you to switch to your own music, but not during scripted sequences that are essential to the game's storyline and ambience.

I doubt any developer would enforce that restriction for most online gaming scenarios (for example).

BXJoseff @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Agreed. Leave the composer's score alone.
This option should only apply to games that use retarded licensed music like that monster EA. Games like GTA, because it makes SENSE.

kilthechair @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

You can re-edit music. You just cannot sell it. I don't know of anyone that would buy/sell a custom soundtrack.

Using Maces, Katanas, and knifes to injure/kill someone is a bit on the extreme end of the spectrum.

If you purchase a painting, you may do with it as you wish--burn it, tear it, or frame it.

MosquitoControl @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

It depends on the game.

Some games are all about atmosphere and presentation to set a mood. In this case I understand the decision not to allow it. It isn't like Spielberg would want us listening to The Misfits while watching Saving Private Ryan.

But, on the other hand, some games just have music as an alternative to silence. These games should allow us to listen to what we want. I can't play some EA games anymore. MVP 2005 and Fight Night Round 2 have some of the worst song selections I've ever heard. What's the point of making me listen to bands I can't stand when it has no impact on the gameplay? More money for EA? But the result is I won't buy an EA sports game anymore, I'll instead go with one that doesn't make me hear The Bravery 40 times in 9 innings...

Toast @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I don't see what is wrong with letting people decide what music they want to play in their game. If they did buy the game they aught to have the ability to fiddle around a little. Haven't you ever played a game and heard the song they had in there and thought to yourself, man they should have lisenced (insert current hit or your favorite song here) because it would just fit with the scene so much better! Too bad the developers were too cheap or were appealing to a broader audience than just me.

You can actually enhance your gaming experience while only slightly dulling down the realism (Britney Spears in Final Fantasy isn't too realistic, but more so than dropping the SFX's and music all together in favor of your iTunes). It's a good thing, because its an option, don't wanna mess with it, don't have to. The day developers make you start building your own sound track, well that will be a head ache.

P.S. I trust we have no arguement about adding in tracks to any EA sports game??

Ultimatallica @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

FUCKING BULLSHIT.

This was the only thing I ever wanted out of a next gen gaming system, going back to step one is going to piss me off incredibly.

Embassy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

they basically did the same thing this generation...story driven games had thier movie scoring..and sports/fightingetc genres let u add wat u wanted..i dont see a problem with that...like dude said..u cant go into doom and make it a tropical paradise just because u want your character to get a tan...the musical score is no diff....multiplayer however is a diff story...

tpp @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

If I buy me a painting, then decide that I want to "enhance" it by putting some of my own touches on it, I, as the owner of that property, have every right to do so. I might destroy the resale value of the property by doing so, but the property is mine, used inside my home, used without breaking any laws and not harming anyone (other than aesthetically).

If some snotty nosed "artist" objects, they will just have to get used to the idea of me not buying any more "art" from them in the future.

People so opposed to anyone "tampering" with their "creations" should go read the most excellent series of articles on Remix Culture in Wired magazine July 2005 issue.

Dan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

"I trust we have no arguement about adding in tracks to any EA sports game??"

No of course not. That's why I agree with Mosquito up there. I could go either way on this. If we are talking about most sports, racing, or fighting game where the music isn't an important part of the tone then I really don't see a reason why we shouldn't be allowed to pick the songs that play. Especially any game where you going to hear the same songs over and over, like in a racing game. I mean EA did an okay job with some of those songs in Burnout 3, but they did get a little old after trying to get gold on every track.

But when a game is dependent on the getting the player immersed in the setting and tone of the game the developer shouldn't have to worry about whether the player can change the music, or even want to them to. Games like this are about creating an experience and something is lost if the player can just swap out the music.

Vinni the Poo @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Turning off the music and blasting the stereo might work if u r willing to have 2 sound systems. I would like to stream the effects and the music through the 5.1 system I spent a bundle on. I am not getting another one just b/c developers think they are arteests.

And even the best soundtrack gets on nerves after 20-40 hours of play.

If I like to kill nazis to the tunes of Dolly Parton, I should be able to gddmit.

Toast @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

So am I the only one that has been playing an RPG and wished they'd put in a more main stream song than the musical score, or made for video game pop-busts in the FF series?? Have you ever wanted to add your own artistic flare to the game in this regard?

Ryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

in response to tpp: Sure, you can do whatever you want to that artist's painting. But they do not have to provide you the tools to do so.

joss @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I just hope most developers decide to stick with custom sound tracks. I can't see how they would be so short sighted as to say 'our music is in there so you can't have a choice'.

Keeping the original music on the 1st play through in an adventure/RPG game is fine by all means and is completely necessary and enjoyable, but making you listen to it every time you want to play the game again is just moronic. Choice is good, whatever the designer decides is acceptable or not.

Any money EA will never let you put a custom track in, though. No suprises there then.

The Shizzlenit @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Kameo has the custom soundtrack feature.

Your music plays during gameplay, then your music is paused and the cinematic music plays when a movie is playing, and the music resumes when the movie is over and gameplay resumes.

If a serious game like Kameo can have the soundtrack feature, then most games should. I can understand it in a horror game, where the whole point is to scare and the music would get in the way. If EA pulls some dumb corporate crap and doesn't include the custom soundtrack feature, then MS should interject and force it for those games.

tpp @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Ryan, the tools are built-in XBox 360 already. The developers are DISABLING them to protect their (not my) interests.

BigKountry @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I could see not being able to use music during certain sequences, but during the game when I'm blasting away at zombies or demons, I would like to play some of my own music. You know like playing some Britney Spears during the Cabin Battle in RE4, or some Destiny's Child when fighting the Scarab in Halo 2.

But seriously guys, if the user wants to screw up there experience by playing music that doesn't make any sense in a certain game, I say let 'em. Hey, they already bought the game right, it's no sweat off the developer's back.

Ben @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I don't really have an opinion one way or another about what games a custom soundtrack is appropriate for and what games it isn't. My comment is more about the people who are saying "If you don't like the music just turn the volume down and turn your stereo up." These people have obviously never used a custom soundtrack on an Xbox. There is a vast difference between just playing loud music and drowning out the other sounds in a game and having your music in the background behind the sound effects and sometimes even controlled dynamically. On the Xbox, it was a chore just getting your music onto the hard drive in the first place. The Xbox 360 seems to be taking care of that by making it as simple as possible. To not at least offer the option in a game seems foolish. I mean, look at what games like ESPN NFL 2K4 were able to do with letting you have custom music for touchdowns and things.

Ben @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

And that should have read ESPN NFL 2K5. Sorry.

JollyGreenGiant @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

This story is a non-issue. Does anyone complain that they can't replace the scores of their favorite DVD movies? Why not? You bought it...it's yours right? Well why aren't you complaining?

I'll tell you why, because there's such a thing as artistic vision and it wouldn't be the same movie if you removed the music! Similarly, some games wouldn't be the same game if you removed the music! If a developer feels that their game would be compromised if the music were changed, so be it! You don't like it, don't buy it.

GTgamer @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

"Does anyone complain that they can't replace the scores of their favorite DVD movies? Why not? You bought it...it's yours right? Well why aren't you complaining?"

Start a post about it...maybe they will. :)

ZeroCorpse @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Here's an example- in GUN I believe I might prefer some Ennio Morricone music or even Clint Bajakian's score for "Outlaws" to the cinematic symphonic score they put in it. I think a western needs a certain theme to the music, and I feel that they dropped the ball on "GUN" because they went for the classical music angle instead of the feel of the spaghetti westerns. Since I'm the one who has to sit there and play for hours on end, I would like the experience to fit my expectations. With 360, I can do that.

Another example is the cinematic score in Neverwinter Nights. I personally believe that D&D games shouldn't have scores that feature instruments that weren't around in midieval times. The strings and horns are all wrong! So I change the music, and I think it sounds better my way.

One more: The WWE games almost ALWAYS have awful music. I do not want to listen to Limp Bizkit or Drowning Pool, and I really don't want to listen to the generic rap-rock songs that they put in the actual matches. If I listen to ANY music during a wrestling game, I want it to be something that doesn't make my stomach turn. Again, the 360 will make that possible, not to mention allowing me to use my own tunes as entrance music for wrestlers.

Think of a fighting game that allows you to assign a "theme song" to each character. . . When you win, you hear your music playing.

Customization is the key to winning against the PC gaming world. When consoles allow maximum customization, they'll stomp on PC games once and for all.

ZeroCorpse @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

I think you SHOULD be able to use your own music in the games you want. I understand playing a horror game or a title where the music sets the mood and that's ok,but sometimes we want to use our OWN music. Playing Silent Hill with electronica blasting in the game certainly does ruin it for me,but maybe for others it does not.

Look at it this way.We play the game and finish it. Then we play back through it AGAIN so why shouldnt we be able to use our own music through the second time? I finished Halo normally but when I go back through it another time on a different difficulty and such why shouldnt I be able to use my own music? The people who truly love the game and care for it will keep the music set as the music in the game,but once we play through it once not everybody wants to listen to the same thing over again now that we've experienced it one way already (lets experience it another and keep the fun going!)

SvantBlack @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM

Let's substitute "Should I be able to play my own music,instead of the developers?" with "Did I pay for it with MY money",and add "Does it harm anyone or violate the US Constitution?".The answer to all 3 is DA*N RIGHT!

If I paid for the game,I should be able to do what I da*n well please with it,excluding ACTUAL CRIME.

The developers are all "Waaah!They don't wanna listen to my music!"Well,unless you got a soundtrack identical to mine,I sure as h*ll don't!