Game Composer Says Music Should Not Be Heard

Game composer Gordy Haab thinks music should be felt, not heard. This idea helped create scores for Star Wars Jedi and Indiana Jones games.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Music |

Architect of Interactive Soundscapes Discusses Franchise Fidelity

Gordy Haab, a composer whose sonic fingerprints now adorn some of the most recognizable franchises in interactive entertainment, offered a peculiar insight into his craft: a truly effective score, he posits, is one that isn't consciously heard. This philosophy guided his work on major titles such as 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order', 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor', and the recently released 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle'. Haab's approach emphasizes a score's power to immerse and enhance, rather than demand attention.

His role extends beyond mere composition; it involves a delicate act of 'caretaking', ensuring new music respects the profound legacies established by previous works. This is particularly acute in universes as storied as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, where iconic musical themes are deeply ingrained in audience memory.

Genesis of a Game Scorer

Haab's fascination with music, particularly its cinematic applications, manifested early in life, noted by his family. While his recent successes are rooted in the gaming world, his career trajectory has also encompassed traditional media. His portfolio includes work for television, such as MTV's 'The Truth Below' and the Oprah Winfrey Network's 'The Judds'. This broader experience, including interactions with student filmmakers and their varied projects, seems to have informed his understanding of how music functions across different narrative mediums.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Gordy Haab's main idea about game music?
Gordy Haab, a composer for games like Star Wars Jedi and Indiana Jones, believes music should blend into the game so players don't notice it. He thinks the best music helps players feel more part of the game without drawing attention to itself.
Q: Why is this idea important for games like Star Wars and Indiana Jones?
These games have famous music already. Haab works to make new music that fits the old style. This helps keep the game's feeling the same for fans who know the series well.
Q: What other work has Gordy Haab done?
Before focusing on games, Haab also wrote music for TV shows. His work includes shows for MTV and the Oprah Winfrey Network. This experience helps him understand how music works in different types of stories.
Q: How does Haab approach creating music for established game worlds?
Haab sees himself as a caretaker of the game's sound. He makes sure new music respects the music that came before. This is very important for big franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones where music is a big part of their identity.