Introduction
Scoring a video game that belongs to a beloved franchise is a heavy responsibility. The music must honor the original cinematic scores that fans hold dear while also forging a new identity for interactive storytelling. Composer Gordy Haab has mastered this delicate balance, working on titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Star Wars Squadrons. He has become the modern custodian of musical legacies that were originally shaped by legends like John Williams. In this guide, you’ll learn the step-by-step process to become a musical caretaker of iconic game franchises—using Haab’s approach as your blueprint.
What You Need
- Deep Familiarity with the franchise’s original soundtracks (e.g., John Williams’ scores)
- Proficiency in music theory, orchestration, and composition
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and sample libraries that emulate real orchestral instruments
- Strong understanding of game narrative and character arcs
- Collaboration tools to work with developers (e.g., video conferencing, version control)
- Live orchestra contacts (or access to professional recording studios)
- Patience and humility—you are a caretaker, not the original creator
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Immerse Yourself in the Franchise’s Musical DNA
Start by listening to every piece of music associated with the franchise—both from previous games and the original films. Gordy Haab spent countless hours absorbing John Williams’ motifs, instrumentation, and emotional cadences for Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Note recurring themes (e.g., the Force theme, the Raiders March) and how they are used in key scenes. You need to internalize these sounds so that your new compositions feel like a natural extension, not a copy.
Step 2: Analyze the Narrative and Emotional Core
Read the game’s script, play early builds, and talk to the narrative team. Understand the protagonist’s journey, the world’s atmosphere, and the pivotal moments. For Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Haab had to balance Cal Kestis’ personal struggle with the larger Jedi mythology. Create a musical map that aligns your score with emotional beats—triumph, loss, mystery, awe. This ensures your music enhances storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Step 3: Compose with Respect, Then Innovate
Your first duty is to preserve the musical identity. Write cues that quote or allude to established themes, especially during iconic moments (e.g., a Jedi using the Force). But you must also add your own signature—what Haab calls “that extra dash of seasoning.” Try new harmonic progressions, different instrument combinations, or subtle rhythmic shifts that fit the interactive medium. The goal is to make players feel they are in a familiar world experiencing something fresh.
Step 4: Collaborate Closely with Developers
Share your early sketches with the game director and audio lead. Iterate based on feedback about pacing, intensity, and how the music reacts to player actions. For Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Haab worked with MachineGames to ensure the score matched the game’s blend of adventure and humor. Use collaborative tools to share stems and allow real-time adjustments during gameplay testing.
Source: www.eurogamer.net Step 5: Record with Live Musicians
Nothing beats a real orchestra. Arrange recording sessions with professional players who understand the genre. Haab often records with ensembles that have experience performing Williams’ works. Ensure the mixing engineer captures the warmth and dynamics of live instruments. If budget is a constraint, use high-quality sample libraries but later upgrade to live recordings for key tracks. This step gives the score authentic depth.
Step 6: Polish and Adapt for Interactive Use
Finalize your score by creating layered stems (e.g., combat variations, exploration ambient layers) that can be triggered dynamically in-game. Test every track in context—watch playthroughs, adjust tempo and transitions. Use middleware like Wwise or FMOD to implement adaptive elements. Gordy Haab ensures his compositions loop seamlessly and respond to player choices, maintaining emotional continuity.
Step 7: Be a Humble Custodian
Remember that you are taking care of a beloved franchise. Accept feedback graciously and be willing to rewrite even your favorite cues. Haab describes his role as a “caretaker” rather than an auteur. Your reward is the players’ emotional connection—when they hardly notice the music because it fits so perfectly, you have succeeded.
Tips for Success
- Study the master—Go beyond listening: transcribe themes by ear to understand harmonic language.
- Network with game developers at conferences (GDC, PAX) to find projects that need your skills.
- Create a demo reel that shows you can balance homage and originality.
- Invest in orchestral libraries like Spitfire Audio or EastWest for pre-recording demos.
- Respect the franchise’s canon—avoid using musical ideas that feel out of character.
- Practice adaptive composition by scoring short interactive scenes with branching moods.
Gordy Haab’s journey proves that a great score is not heard—it is felt. By following these steps, you can become the next musical caretaker for the iconic worlds we love. The weight of legacy is heavy, but with dedication and craft, you can carry it forward.