How is modern VGM created? by Kagemori at 9:49 AM EST on November 9, 2018
Hey so while looking at soundfonts from old games I had a thought, if it's not with soundfonts, how are modern game soundtracks composed?
I know some use actual recordings like Mario Kart 8 or Splatoon, but how about others like the M&L Superstar Saga remake, Pokemon X/Y or Paper Mario Sticker Star?
I guess my question really is, what VSTs do they use for such great-sonuding pieces? Any ideas?
Game composers get multiple DAWs, VST plugins, sound modules and sample libraries that they use for their music. Every composer usually has a favorite instrument source that they like to use, but some of the sources are really common and is used by almost everyone (like for example the factory library of the Kontakt VST).
As for the Superstar Saga remake, mostly Steinberg HALion Sonic and products by the company EastWest was used. For X/Y, the Kontakt factory library, Steinberg HALion Sonic, EastWest products etc. was used. Most of these are VSTs, but even today, composers sometimes use instruments from old sources that were around back when VGM was created with sound banks (AKA soundfonts).
(BTW, if you haven't already seen it, The VGM/Others Instrument Source Thread on this forum has a lot of information regarding this topic, so it might interest you)