A patent application from Activision Blizzard is exploring the idea of using machine learning technology to create custom soundtracks for gamers that could potentially be used to enhance gameplay experiences. As discovered by Exputer, the submission “Dynamically Generating and Modulating Music Based on Game Events, Gamer Profiles, and/or Gamer Responses” describes how artificial intelligence can be used to create a more dynamic sense of immersion in a video game using variables to compose music on the fly .
“There is a need for systems and methods that create and modulate music that is unique to individual players,” the patent application states, describing specific scenarios in which the software will transform the user experience. One such example would be a boss fight, where the music is dynamically modulated to create a more intense atmosphere, even if the player is easily overpowering a high-level opponent. According to the patent application, the system could affect a player’s “success or failure during the game and uses the correlation to improve the player’s performance in the future game”.
As for how it all works, Activision has detailed how the software essentially reads its player’s space, examines the “mood” of the location, and then modulates audio segments into different styles using machine learning models coupled with other techniques. The core idea is that the music produced increases a player’s overall enjoyment by subtly making encounters more exciting and less frustrating.
“By automating the process of what type of music is played and how the music is modulated, the video game can become more immersive, more enjoyable, and provide players with a variety of customizable features to enhance the overall user experience.” said Activision. Curiously, the patent filing primarily addresses multiplayer gaming scenarios, but mentions that the technology could be “applicable to single-player and offline gaming” as well.
Video games have made tremendous strides in terms of visual performance over the years, but only a handful of games have used music to enhance their design. A recent example would be Metal: Hellsinger, an FPS that combines run-and-gun brutality with a heavy metal soundtrack to guide your action. The internal system for this game was a huge success, and fans will eventually be able to add their own tracks when custom music modding tools come out in the future.
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