PC games are great in every way, except that their economic benefits are truly appalling.
Limited by Hermes's limited shipments, sales were only so-so at best.
But none of that matters.
For a company like Gamenova these days, sales volume isn't really that important.
It's more like a technically spectacular work, similar to " Ace Combat ".
From the very beginning, Lin Lixin never expected this thing to recoup its development costs; at least at this stage, it was definitely impossible.
However, when discussing something, we should not only focus on its "price," but also delve into its underlying "value."
IP value, brand derivatives, the right to define new trends, Hermes PC sales growth...
These are things that cannot be reflected by sales figures alone.
Inside a recording studio in the Bay Area.
How are you feeling?
Lin Lixin pulled out a chair and sat down next to Hans Zimmer. Throughout the entire development process of " Pirates!!", he had been working in the development department, and even temporarily rented an apartment in the Bay Area.
It's unclear whether he was genuinely interested in the project or simply couldn't bear to part with this globally unique music workstation.
"Excellent! Better than ever before!"
Hans Zimmer looked excited, his eyes practically shooting out laser beams.
Damn it! Why didn't I discover this way of playing sooner?
"Video games are truly the perfect medium for music! Interactive music is truly... truly amazing!"
After all this time in the music industry, this was the first time he'd ever felt this way.
To truly "play music".
In terms of freedom, video games far surpass all other forms of mainstream entertainment.
This was completely different from what Hans Zimmer had previously imagined.
Music is not an independent entity from the game; it is not played on an infinite loop by a dedicated chip.
Instead, it's truly integrated organically with the game itself. I wonder if players have noticed those carefully designed little touches.
Hans Zimmer's lips curled into a smile.
To facilitate his creative process, Lin Lixin directly exposed all the parameters in the game and connected them to his music workstation via API.
In this way, he can easily set various music for different occasions in the game by adjusting only a few options.
Combined with digital effects and real-time preview...
It was absolutely amazing!
I've never felt so good composing music before.
To make it easier for him to conduct sampling, Lin Lixin even set up a recording studio next to the company.
"Hehe, this is just the beginning. I have plenty of new technologies waiting to be tested later."
Lin Lixin laughed heartily.
Even he hadn't expected the system to function so perfectly.
Before this, game soundtracks and film music composition were completely different fields. Without some basic knowledge of music chip programming, it was really impossible to work with those fancy and varied chips.
But he solved this using an API and visualization software.
Hans Zimmer, an "outsider" working in a different field for the first time, was able to get started without any prior training.
"There's new technology? What is it?!"
"There are many, such as parametric music and programmable music, but those can only be studied later. I'm still just at the conceptual stage."
Lin Lixin waved his hand.
Game music is truly a magical thing.
It can even subtly "manipulate the player".
In movies, music can often only create atmosphere and guide emotions.
However, in video games, this deliberately guided emotion can actually be actively released by the player.
The rhythm and emotional fluctuations of the music can subtly influence players' actions without them even realizing it.
The sudden change of tone when a boss transitions to a new phase, the rhythm dynamically adjusted according to health and mana, the liberating melody upon arriving in a new area after a long journey, the warm tune that plays as the sun rises after a desperate battle where you barely escape with your life... Excellent game music design can even allow players to judge the current situation and make appropriate reactions just by listening.
There are even moments when your psychological defenses are suddenly broken down, and you are moved by a moment in the game.
Listening to Lin Lixin's grand vision, Hans Zimmer couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.
The world of video game music is so vast...
"How about we talk about joining?"
Lin Lixin smiled and took out a contract that he had prepared beforehand.
They had already discussed this matter during their previous collaboration.
Gamenova has funded the establishment of a new music production company, which will be under the Gamenova umbrella.
The company will retain its original film and television music production business, while also including game soundtracks in its business scope.
Although a certain degree of freedom of operation is allowed, in reality, even if it does nothing, Gamenova will continue to invest to maintain its operations.
In a sense, it's more like a "music laboratory," used to test new audio technologies that are still in the laboratory stage.
With Gamenova's backing, both Hans Zimmer and future newcomers can push themselves to the limit and approach their creative endeavors with their best.
I can't think of a reason to refuse this invitation.
Faced with this charitable offer, Hans Zimmer didn't hesitate for a second.
Ultimately, he was never a particularly aloof or detached artist who pursued "highbrow" ideals.
Industrialized production was what he had always been pursuing.
Not to mention that Gamenova possesses the most advanced music technology in the world.
Even if it doesn't have the high-quality audio source of Yamaha or Sony.
But technically it is definitely the most cutting-edge one.
"Haha, that's good."
In fact, the two of them had already tacitly agreed on this matter; today they were simply seeking a clear answer, to finally break the ice.
"Let's look for a few suitable locations later, ideally with a place in the Bay Area and Hollywood." Music work is different from their development department, so it's not suitable to arrange it directly at Gamenova headquarters.
The investment required to build a professional recording studio is no less than that required to construct a new building.
"And this music workstation..."
"Didn't I tell you? This is a gift for you."
Lin Lixin waved his hand, then his expression became more serious.
"However, you should also understand that Gamenova is looking for more than just a music composition team; your job involves much more than that."
"Certainly."
Hans Zimmer nodded knowingly.
Having followed the project team's progress to this point, he now has a general understanding of Lin Lixin's needs.
"Developing our own sound library, right?"
1989 was not a bright year for game audio.
Unlike the rapid advancements in the semiconductor industry, audio sources have always been a headache for all companies. Various forces are vying for dominance, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The most terrifying of them all is undoubtedly the most powerful Japan faction.
Yamaha, Roland, and Korg have almost completely monopolized the entire technology chain.
In particular, the FM synthesis technology represented by Yamaha has dominated the gaming industry and even the music industry for more than a decade.
ym2151, ym2203, ym2612...
Those renowned audio chips in the gaming industry are all made by Yamaha.
Even early versions of Gamenova couldn't avoid using their products.
Roland's MIDI and Korg's synthesizers are also dominant in their respective fields.
Not to mention that consumer electronics giant Sony is also focusing on this area.
In the realm of music sources, Japan is indeed the undisputed leader, even an unshakeable absolute authority.
Of course, in the PC audio field, there is also an undisputed hegemon quietly rising.
Lin Lixin had naturally been keeping a close eye on this matter in secret for some time. "I don't know if you know George Lucas, the one from Lucasfilm, who's also a good brother of mine."
Lin Lixin shrugged and suddenly brought up someone who seemed unrelated to the current topic.
"I've always felt that his operational strategies suit my taste."
"Mr. Lucas? You mean you're both the director and producer?"
Hans Zimmer, being a Hollywood insider, was naturally familiar with Lucas, the creator of Star Wars.
"No, I'm referring to its industrial system."
Lin Lixin shook his head.
Many people don't realize the true value of Lucasfilm.
It's like Gamenova in the gaming industry—it actually possesses an incredibly rich and impressive foundation.
" Industrial Light & Magic), responsible for film and television post-production; Skywalker Sound, a top-tier audio studio specializing in sound design, recording, and mixing; and thx, a multimedia certification and technology company..."
Lin Lixin counted the names of the dishes on his fingers as if he knew them by heart.
This is the fundamental reason why he was willing to cultivate a close relationship with Lucas rather than collaborate with a large studio like Paramount. " Lucas has his own complete production industry system and is also striving to promote the digital cinema revolution. In this respect, we have something in common."
Upon hearing this, Hans Zimmer's expression turned serious as he pondered Lin Lixin's words.
In terms of system building, Gamenova is indeed a pioneer in the industry.
They would set up a semiconductor company specifically to solve the chip problem, and they would establish their own audio studio to create sound effects.
Rather than calling Gamenova a game company, it's more accurate to describe it as a behemoth spanning the entire entertainment industry.
Once you understand this, it becomes clear what Lin Lixin intends for you to do.
Establish your own sound library to completely break free from external dependence, and at the same time... establish a complete audio system belonging to the Gamenova ecosystem.
Audio workstations, sound card technology, audio standards, sound sources... and video games as consumer devices.
This is a complete industrial chain that has been fully connected by video games.
My mission is to become Lin Lixin's vanguard in conquering the audio field.
What's going on...?
This is... so cool!