In the fantasy online role-playing game Guild Wars 2, special attention is paid to a suitable soundtrack. The in-house composer Maclaine Diemer, along with the Brandenburg State Orchestra from Frankfurt (Oder), has now recorded the soundtrack for the second season of Living World.
In too many MMOs, music is given little importance, yet for many players, it is an important component. Perhaps not everyone is consciously aware of it all the time, but it contributes significantly to a fitting atmosphere. In fact, music from narrative media is hardly thinkable without it. Especially orchestral pieces with strong highs and lows and catchy motifs are in demand. It is no coincidence that Hollywood blockbusters often feature powerful orchestral soundtracks, the dominant motifs of which can be remembered even years later – such as the Imperial March from Star Wars or the iconic sounds from Jurassic Park, when the dinosaurs first appear.
MMOs are also a narrative medium. They thrive on their atmosphere and their ability to put the player (and thus the listener) in a state of ecstasy and amazement.
Music as a Narrative Form
The in-house composer of ArenaNet, Maclaine Diemer, seemed to be packed and ready a few weeks ago in a live stream about Guild Wars 2, where it was about the music of the game. He stated that he finally had the opportunity to record the music he composed for the second season of Living World with a live orchestra, which will soon be on display in Tyria. Now, the orchestra can be admired and especially heard on YouTube.
Diemer has stated that he paid special attention in the composition to capture the essence of the individual zones and episodes, and to tell his very own version of the Living Story with the motifs. Perhaps you can anticipate the twists the story will take from the few minutes that have now surfaced? What strings are played for you when you hear these tones?
The Brandenburg State Orchestra Frankfurt
The Brandenburg State Orchestra Frankfurt (BSOF), which you can admire in the video, is located in Frankfurt (Oder). It is an internationally recognized symphony orchestra and was founded over 170 years ago. And you can proudly say on YouTube and elsewhere that as true experts of orchestral music, you recognize the musicians there – because in the sneak peeks and almost everywhere else, they have only been referred to as a “mysterious German orchestra” – as if there were only one here.
