1. Project Overview

Project 1 is a study app called ‘Focus Up’ for the students at Hong Kong University. ‘Focus Up’ is unique as it combines the aspects of Pokémon Go with features such as teams, competitive mode and customizable pet companions. Students will form teams based on faculties such as the faculty of Architecture and Dentistry. They will compete together to maintain the highest amount of study time in each spot, unlocking special cosmetics for their profile. This creates a distinct goal different from other study apps as it transforms study sessions into a shared journey by linking effort to visible success. Through friendly competition and tangible rewards, this system fosters motivating rivalry among peers. Every completed goal drives students to outdo one another, directly increasing study output and ensuring long-term commitment to academic improvement. (See appendix 1)

Project 2 is a Roblox game called ‘Arena Wisteria’. It is an RPG (Role Playing Game) based on the Pokémon series, which is centered on catching, training and battling fantasy creatures. The main story is about a massive radioactive explosion that happened in the city of Wisteria, resulting in animals nearby mutating and becoming exotic creatures, which we call Wisterians. Together with your neighbor and friend Rosa, you decide to challenge 5CA, the 5 global challengers, true masters with Wisterians. The final vision for this project is to create a fully playable game with engaging music and gameplay while using and respecting the core aspects of the Pokémon series. (See appendix 2)

Collaborators: 

Jack: 

• Mate since primary 

• Studying a year abroad in Hong Kong 

• 3^rd year Strathclyde University Student, studying computer science 

• Created ‘Focus Up’ for a group assignment at Hong Kong 

Pedro_Penne: 

• Met last year November through a Reddit post on the Roblox Games Dev subreddit  

• Game developer (also made some battle themes for the game) 

• Other collaborators on this project include various 3D modelers and artists 

Appendix 1: ‘Focus Up’ Screenshots

Appendix 2: ‘Arena Wisteria’ Screenshots

2. Panopto Video – Final Product (10-12 Minutes) 

3. Chronological Monthly Diary 

October

• 23^rd – Discussed with Jack about his project (Focus Up) 
• 24^th – Created first track to use, discussed it would play after logo/sign in/idling on app 
• 24^th – Discussed second track to use, more ambient/open. Created second track for feedback 
• 26^th – Feedback from Jack and his group (bass was too loud, EQ muddy parts, make it sound more lo-fi 
• 28^th – Acted on feedback and gave him final version of track 2 

November

• 5^th – Got access to Jack’s Figma project (Cloud based design tool) lets me view notes/screenshots from the group 
• 6^th – Created demo tracks for game developers to listen to 
• 10^th – Posted proposal and portfolio on Roblox Game Dev subreddit 
• 11^th – Pedro came in contact to work on music for ‘Arena Wisteria’ 
• 12^th – Created first track (Main Menu Theme), also sent reference tracks and description for second track 
• 13^th – Second track done (Bike Theme) 
• 20^th – Pedro sent in reference tracks and descriptions for the 3^rd track (Main city arrival theme) 
• 22^nd – Created third track 

December

• 13^th – Requested fourth track (Castle Theme)  

January

• 16^th – Created Castle Theme 

February

• 24^th – Asked Pedro if he wanted anymore music done to fit 10-12mins mark  
• 24^th – Requested for a track for the trailer 

March

• 18^th – Created Trailer Theme, asked for guidance and references for next track 

• 19^th – Pedro sent in directions and references for main city theme 

• 27^th – Created Main City Theme, also asked Pedro to send in game footage of the game 

April

• 13^th received footage from Pedro 

• 14^th compiled footage from both Projects together 

4. Evidence of Planning/Process

Project 1 

For Project 1, Jack came to me first asking to create the music for his group assignment. We discussed this through Discord as it allowed me to view screenshots and links from Jack as well as send him the demo tracks for listening and feedback without him having to download them. Moreover, Jack also gave me access to his group’s Figma project (cloud based-design tool) (See Appendix 3) so I could test the app through a phone simulation. This link also came with screenshots and labels for the app as well as the group’s notes so I could have a better understanding of the app. The first track has a repeating A/B structure to create musical interest for the listeners. For the second track, I created something more ambient and open. I used the same A/B structure to create an engaging loop.  

Project 2 

I created some video game-like tracks for a portfolio to submit through an Indie Games Discord server as well as a Reddit post under the Roblox Game Dev subreddit (See appendix 2). This caught the attention of Roblox game developer Pedro who contacted me through the subreddit post. They pitched the concept of ‘Arena Wisteria’ and provided screenshots, pre-existing music (such as the battle themes/other towns) as well as early footage of battle gameplay. 

The first track I created involved me listening to Pedro’s guidance from reference tracks they sent and suggestions on what instruments to use and vibe of the track. I also used my own knowledge of tracks from other games and media which would help inspire the music for this soundtrack. This eventually become the standard process for creating the music for ‘Arena Wisteria’.  

The process of making the tracks itself was usually a start with harmony and groove that would fit the reference tracks, then sound selection which involved finding sounds that were appropriate for the context of the track as well as making sure the sounds are consistent with the style and nature of the game overall.  

Appendix 5: Timeline and Gantt Chart

Research indicates that humans have a limited working memory, but visual tools like timelines enhance our cognitive processing abilities (van der Hoorn, 2023).

5. Reference Material / Inspiration

Project 1

One of my main influences for the ‘Focus Up’ music was the Nintendo e-shop music. Since ‘Focus Up’ is inspired by Pokémon GO, I instantly thought of Nintendo, especially the older soundtracks from the 2010’s. One of the main reasons for why the vibe of these older consoles is so great and nostalgic was the music. Nintendo would create a piece of music for everything even the mundane tasks like checking the weather or browsing through the eShop (See Appendix 6). Youtuber ‘8-bit Music Theory’ explains that the ‘Wii Shop’ theme is ‘against all odds, a global phenomenon’ as it was designed just be ‘elevator-music’. (8-bit Music Theory, 2023). The link between studying and the way Nintendo elevates these tasks was my inspiration behind the first track.  

For the second track I wanted to create something more chill and ambient since the last track had some groovy UKG-inspired drums that could be distracting for when it came to actual study time. Jack requested a track like the Pokémon TCG Pocket soundtrack, specifically the ‘Menu Theme’ (See appendix 7) as it is a track that is non-intrusive. So, I used synths and arpeggios as well as pads to create an ambient open vibe.  

Appendix 6: eShop Inspiration Appendix 7: Menu Theme Pokémon TCG Pocket

Project 2

For project 2, Pedro gave me lots of references and guidance for the soundtrack. Most of the references was from the Pokémon Black and White, and Black and White 2. However, I did also use my own knowledge and music I have previously listened to from games and other media. A major factor in the effectiveness of Pokémon music is its role in “Nostalgia Marketing.” Research indicates that the franchise’s music serves as a “memory anchor,” connecting players to positive past experiences and significantly increasing brand loyalty and purchase intention (Bhutto et al., 2021). I used this article to guide my decision making when also creating melodies and harmonies for project 2

For track 1 the ‘Main Menu Theme’ Pedro gave links to reference tracks from Pokémon Black and White (‘Nuvema Town’ and ‘Onward To Adventure’) (See appendix 6) and asked for a ‘jazzy’ calm track with the use of an ocarina or something similar. When I heard ocarina, I immediately thought of ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ especially the ‘Title Theme’ (See appendix 7).  

Appendix 8: ‘Nuvema Town’ Appendix 9: ‘Title Theme’

For the second track (Bike Theme), Pedro asked for a track that would be used for when the player is riding a bike and gave a link to the “Bicycle Theme’ from Pokémon Black and White 2. I mostly followed the reference with an exception to the beginning drum fill which I loosely followed from a J-Rock track called ‘Say it.’ by Yorushika.  

Appendix 10: ‘Bike Theme’

Appendix 11: ‘Say it.’ by Yorushika

The third track’s (Main City Arrival) reference was the ‘Pokéstar Studio Theme’ from Pokémon Black and White 2, which was mostly followed until the last section which has a leitmotif from the ‘Main Menu Theme’ and is based off the ‘Opening Theme’ from Super Smash Bros. Melee. 

Appendix 12: ‘Pokéstar Studio Theme’ Appendix 13: ‘Opening Theme’

For the fourth track (Castle Theme), Pedro sent in screenshots for the first time as a reference as well as other two links to reference tracks. The screenshots were different angles of a castle, and the reference tracks were ‘Merry Go Round of Life’ from Howl’s Moving Castle and ‘Golden Brown’ by The Stranglers. The track, ‘Merry Go Round of Life’ and the shots of the castle gave me an idea to use a 3/4 waltz feel. 

Appendix 14: ‘Merry Go Round of Life’ Appendix 16: Castle Screenshot

Pedro’s references for the fifth track (Trailer Theme) were ‘Flyday Chinatown’ by Yashua and ‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ by Yoko Takahashi. This track was also the first time I was asked to move away from the Pokémon gen 5 sound and use real instruments 

Appendix 17: ‘Flyday Chinatown’ by Yashua

For the sixth track (Main City Theme), Pedro gave a lot of reference tracks but the ones that stuck out to me the most was the ‘Lake’ Theme from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and ‘Trinity’ from Blox Tales for this track Pedro asked for a track with metric modulation and odd time signature. When I saw this, I recalled a track from Genshin Impact called ‘Chattering Snowflakes’ where every bar would alternate between 5/8 and 6/8. I really liked how this sounded and applied it to my own track. 

Appendix 18: ‘Lake Theme’ Appendix 19: ‘Chattering Snowflakes’

Appendix 20: Main City Theme

The ‘Trailer Theme’ and ‘Main City Arrival Theme’, I used a leitmotif from the ‘Main Menu Theme’. Leitmotifs are used not just in videogames but in lots of media. They are used to either drive the narrative, foreshadow events or callbacks to previous scenes. Undertale is a game that uses this motif (‘Once Upon a Time’ melody) around 15 times in the soundtrack. Article by Jason M. Yu states that this leitmotif is used ‘to Elicit a feeling of “Home”’. (Jason M. Yu, 2016). This soundtrack heavily inspired me to use leitmotifs in this project.  

Appendix 21: ‘Main Menu Theme’ Leitmotif

Appendix 22: Leitmotif played in ‘Trailer Theme’

Appendix 23: Leitmotif played in ‘Main City Arrival Theme’

6. Use of Technology

I used Fl Studio to compose, record, mix, and edit music to video in this project. This is a software I’m very comfortable with, which allowed me to work quickly and efficiently. 

Project 1:

When developing the first track I used Wii sound font I found online and Purity for the 2000s synths and drum kits, I chose this plugin as it had a lot of great 1980s to 2000s sounds which was perfect for capturing the Nintendo Vibe. For track 2, since the Pokémon TCG Pocket soundtrack sounded more modern, I decided to go with Analog Lab V and Serum for its modern sounding synths for its modern sounding synths, great for creating a mellow, non-intrusive soundscape. 

Appendix 24: Screenshots of the Wii soundfont, Purity, Analog Lab V, Serum 2

Project 2:

After all the references and battle tracks Pedro made himself, I decided to use the Pokémon Sapphire and Ruby sound font for most of the tracks. This decision was made to capture the essence of Pokémon in the soundtrack as well as keeping the soundtrack consistent in style and sound selection.  

For the ‘Trailer Theme’ Pedro tasked me to use real sounding instruments, so I used my electric guitar and bass and recorded through my audio interface (Komplete Audio 2). For the drums, I used Addictive Drums 2 and the saxophone, I used DSK Saxophone. To achieve that 80’s city pop sound I used a gated reverb on the snare. The electric piano sound I used was from Dexed which is a free plugin that sounded like the Yamaha DX7. This was essential for that city pop sound.  

Some limitations came with using soundfonts for example, In the ‘Bike Theme’ the drums from the soundfont did not have a rim shot sound so I had to use other samples to achieve this. 

 

Appendix 25: Electric Guitar and Bass

Appendix 26: Audio Interface

Appendix 27: Gated Reverb

7. Evaluation

Some things that went well were my ability to adapt. Since Project 1 was only a prototype for a school assignment and no further work was to be done post-submission, I needed to find another collaborator and take on another assignment. The decision to create video game-like tracks and create a portfolio to show online was great in finding collaborators and projects. Another thing that went well was communication. On project 1, me and Jack were already close so discussing ‘Focus Up’ with him was very natural and easy, we also have similar interests so creating music he likes was not too difficult, even if there were things to change, everything went smoothly (See appendix 28). Moreover, on project 2, talking to Pedro has been smooth, the guidance he gave as well as references helped me create music he enjoyed and lead to almost no revisions done when sending him the tracks. Lastly, I feel like these projects have expanded my professional portfolio giving me valuable experience in not only music making but collaborating with others to achieve a goal.  

Appendix 28: Feedback and Chats from Jack/Group and Pedro

However, there were also some areas of weaknesses that I highlighted during this time. For example, time management. In both Projects I was working with collaborators that were overseas. Since Jack was in Hong Kong, he was 7 hours ahead. On the other hand, Pedro is from Brazil, which is 3-4 hours behind and was also busy in school so responses from him would usually come later in the night. Also since I was juggling time with the other modules I could not find studio time to record real drums and saxophone for ‘Trailer Theme’

Opportunities that could appear because of this assignment could be the development of ‘Arena Wisteria’ with Pedro. As stated before, we agreed to continue working together after all our exams and assignments are done. Another opportunity that could happen is professional work. This assignment has led to many video game tracks being composed which I could add to my portfolio. This has also given me valuable experience which could in turn allow me to take on higher quality and higher paying work in the future.  

Some threats that appeared during these assignments were time management, like lack of communication. Although it was one of my strong points, I was open to do more projects when I had free time and accepted a project before ‘Arena Wisteria’ however after I made the first track for this horror game project the other person did not reach out for more music or update me on the state of their game. Another collaborator just did not respond after I agreed to work on their project.  

Overall, I think both projects were successful in achieving their initial goals. For project 1 Jack and his group were happy to show the prototype and for project 2, Pedro is happy with the music and agreed to continue working with me. Furthermore, the during the final presentation on the 15th of April, all feedback received was positive which further boosted my confidence in believing both projects were successful (See appendix 29).

Appendix 29: Final Presentation Feedback

8. Bibliography

8-bit Music Theory (2023) The Wii Shop Theme can teach you Jazz Songwriting. YouTube. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc_Sk26qOHk.

Bhutto, S.A., Shaikh, S., Amar, H., Mangi, Q.A. and Abbas, Q. (2021) What Raises Purchase Intention of Customers? An Extension in Perspective of Nostalgic Marketing. Journal of Social Sciences Advancement, 2(4), 135–144.

De Moor, V. (2021) Visuals for Influence in Project Management and Beyond.

Jason M. Yu (2016) An Examination of Leitmotifs and Their Use to Shape Narrative in UNDERTALE – Part 1 of 2. Jason M. Yu. Available online: https://jasonyu.me/undertale-part-1/.