TumbleBall - Flash game music

We're two guys - Tony Downey and Joshua Hoiberg - and we're useless when it comes to music. All we know is that we'd like stage-setting music for the game.

Here's the thing - if there's one thing we've learned through collaborating for this game, it's that whatever idea we have, you have one better. We are in no position to tell you what music is best for our game. You are in the position of telling us what's best, and we're listening. You are the pros.

That being said, you want to know what direction to go, hmm? Well lucky for you, the game is in a playable state over at http://www.tumbleball.com (also there's some notes in EDIT 4 below)

One of the core concepts of the game is the level editor, so make sure to check that out. Our goal is for our users to use our game engine to make things we never even imagined - so while we're making a level based on a pinball table, they're dreaming a gorgeous level about rain on a window pane.

So, that's our 'direction'. Play the game. Try out the level editor. Keep in mind the infinite possibilities. And whatever you come up with is fifty times better than we could ever express in these trite, stupid, silly words.

Thanks! And good luck!

Some final details - keep the sound mono, keep the bitrates and file size relatively low. A flash game can really only be maybe 8 MB tops, and we'd eventually like a small selection of songs. And of course, since it's a game, the sound should loop.

EDIT: For people dying for more information - the development blog: http://patadox.wordpress.com/

EDIT 2: We have received a lot of submissions in the same vein so far, and I'd really like to open it up. We appreciate these kind of classic video game ideals, but we'd really like to look far beyond that. Jazz, soul, electronica, trip-hop, orchestral, A Capella, who knows? All we know is that if it sounds like any other game out there, we're going to hesitate before picking it as the winner.

Thanks everyone!

EDIT 3: Yes, we are listening to the community! 1 MB is too slim for a good quality track. We understand. We have decided to lift the size budget for the game entirely. Please still try to keep the size lower (mono sound required), as every megabyte eats into the server costs, and every user who can't wait another second for loading is one that leaves the game (and therefore never hears your music!)

EDIT 4: More concrete direction. As the competition has continued, we've realized that the track that is most likely to win is going to have multiple instruments keeping their own unique tempo. The reason for this is because a soft floaty level, and a frantic crazy level, may have the same music. Multiple instruments is just one way of getting to that point though - any track that can solve that problem, of fitting a soft or frantic or puzzling level, is going to be a top contender. Thanks!

EDIT 5: The game got much, much sillier over the weekend. We feel tremendously awful - well, we feel like clients from hell, in truth - but it can't be helped. We cut out some previous features and added in some previously cut features and just started doodling - and we like it. We appologize for offering a new overall 'tone' of the game after so many of you have submitted tracks that were bang on.

That being said, the short-list still stands, along with any new submissions. Everything on this page is still in consideration. Best of luck to you all.


Prize: $250.00 - The prize has been prepaid to Minimum Noise.

Owner: TumbleBall
Category:Composition
Status: Closed
License Model: Non-exclusive
The project owner obtains a non-exclusive license to the audio material. Thus, producers can submit music that they have licensed elsewhere and they can license the audio elsewhere even if they win the project.

Reference files:
(Log in to download)


Winning Submission


miss-chez-taylor
Apologies for late entry – had internet disasters! Hope it still gets heard. Loops & extended versions available if required. Thanks muchly.

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Submissions


CicekCiftMuzik
intro+ main part (12 - 78th seconds)+ main part (looping part). I added the loop so you can hear better where it loops at. 1,36mb.

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Androidmonk
1 min - 699 KB - Perfect loop - Mono
This is a one minute version of my previous 30 second Tumbleball loop.
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xceed
I am adding new arrangment for one of the previous submitions. Hope it fits better for your project

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Mihai_Sorohan
The Jazzy D'n'B track with a Latin feel with reworked drums and sax part.
Fixed the kick, was clipping.
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Androidmonk
30 sec. - 349 KB - Perfect loop. The definitive TumbleBall loop. Bouncy tones and polytempo.

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zircon
Light, 'endless possibilities' style atmospheric drum n' bass. Mono, but I can provide stereo upon request (would only be 2.4mb!)

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prophet
This is slightly updated. It's fully in mono, as well as having the bass tweaked and the looping point made a little smoother.

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Discussion


TumbleBall
22 months ago

We will make a point of coming back here to provide feedback and answer questions. In the spirit of the project though, we won't answer any private questions - please ask them publicly here so everyone can benefit. Thanks!


nino rajacic
22 months ago

Hi, small note. Looping troubles in flash causes mp3 (wav loops normally), but there is a way how to override this. Check out my submission, it's normal mp3 and it loops perfectly. If you are running low on game size it would be valuable to give us audio budget, for example 2 megabytes or so. Thanks.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

Yeah, we know about compensating for mp3 sound issues in Flash player 10 in order to get it to loop correctly - it's just not our preference to have to add that extra code.

As for the size limit - I'm willing to say that *all* of the sound in the game should take up no more than 6 MB. And we're definitely thinking multiple tracks. I'd even go so far as to say a 1 MB track is a little large - but with mono sound and a lower (or variable) bitrate, that shouldn't be too severe of a ceiling.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

Some more direction - probably stay away from the 8- and 16-bit era of video game music for inspiration. It's a little 'hit you over the head', whereas we're more concerned with the overall mood.


nino rajacic
22 months ago

Thanks for reply. I tried to say that there is the way to fix mp3 file and have perfect loop without extra coding. Direction about music style is very helpful. It's not clear is you are looking for one track or several tracks at this time? Are we pitching for main level theme or for full game music? Thanks.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

We are looking for one track at a time. And we want a main level track.


SergeiStern
22 months ago

TumbleBall

I think you should mention, that you need Exclusive license for the music.
If u'll change it to non-exclusive, I'll be glad to participate.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

It's not an exclusive license - but in any case, it's not up to us, these are Minimum Noise's terms of use.


xceed
22 months ago

MN Terms of use states that music is submitted for non-exclusive license so it's ok imho.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

From the FAQ:
"In a nutshell, the musicians own the copyright on their music until they transfer the rights. When the project owner selects a winner, the winning musician receives the prize money and the copyright to the music is transferred to the project owner in return."

The legal of it is a little more wordy, but that's essentially it. Just so there's no surprises for anyone.

Oh, and we updated the project description. Sorry for the confusion.


Dupont
22 months ago

guys and girls,

the license issue is something that I am currently working on. I hope (and think that) I will have an implementation ready before this project closes. Then, TumbleBall will be able to switch to a non-exclusive license.

Sorry about the confusion - and thanks for bearing with us!

Cheers,
Kristian Dupont of Minimum Noise


Mihai_Sorohan
22 months ago

Music that I offer I can offer only on non-exclusive license.
I think you realize that for an exclusive license, the money amount need at least one more zero at the end.


jtm
22 months ago

Tony Downey and Joshua Hoiberg,

please tell us exactly the maximum size of the track and the length.

thanks

cheers
Jan


xceed
22 months ago

Just a note about copyrights. My submittions no 10 is for non-exclusive use only (and there are other projects in which it already has been used). Submitions no 9 and 6 might be for exclusive licensing but not for this budget.

Anyway, buying non-exclusive license may give almost all advantages and a low price - the only limitation is that the same music may be used in a different project.

@Dupont: thanks for info - would be nice to let us all know when non-exclusive rights issue is clearified.


TumbleBall
22 months ago

jtm - We changed the project description to lift the size limit entirely. As long it's in mono, and attempts are made to minimize the file size, we have no problem with it. We will make do!

For everyone: yes! We are definitely going to make this a non-exclusive license when the option is available to us. Thanks to the Minimum Noise guys for working on that this week!


jtm
22 months ago

thanks

cheers
Jan


TumbleBall
22 months ago

We've talked to the Minimum Noise guys about the possibility of selecting more than one winner. These submissions have been off the wall crazy awesome, and on April 9th when we're looking at the shortlist, I'm not sure we'll be able to settle on just one track. Kudos so far! Some of our favorites have come from some styles and concepts we never even considered - in short, we love this website and it's community. woooooooo


prophet
22 months ago

wouldn't bother me much, but several of the people here likely wouldn't accept less money for 250$ worth of work.

just fyi.


Mooquu Music
22 months ago

Yes do you mean to say that you'd like to select multiple winners - as in keep all submissions for the $250? Sorry just curious!


Dupont
22 months ago

License types have been implemented - and I have set this project to non-exclusive.
Now I think I need to do something about the length of this page.. :-)

Cheers,
Kristian


TumbleBall
22 months ago

The winner gets $250 per the contest.

If we pick a second winner, then it's a negotiation between ourselves, the contributor, and Minimum Noise, depending on how they'd like to handle it. There's no rules set up for this kind of thing yet, so I can't really speak to it.

But yes - the $250 competition prize is secured for a single individual. That sum will not be split.

EDIT: Go Kristian! Non-Exclusive License is now guaranteed through Minimum Noise! wooooooo


TumbleBall
22 months ago

Sweet, Kristian removed the withdrawals from the page but kept the numbering intact! Incredibly helpful!


TumbleBall
22 months ago

Okay, we 'eliminated' some this afternoon -the remaining tracks are part short-list and part guidance for the week ahead for musicians who haven't submitted yet (or want to submit again). wooooooo


Mihai_Sorohan
22 months ago

Well, good button. Now everything gets more clear for everybody.


Mihai_Sorohan
22 months ago

Is it only me or submission no66 sounds like John Cage's 4'33" ?


TumbleBall
21 months ago

Edit number 5 up there...


Mooquu Music
21 months ago

wow! Im honored to have made the short list for whatever reason. If you have any requests please pm me thanks!


miss-chez-taylor
21 months ago

Sorry for playing the wild card and entering this competition so late. Had a bit of a headache with good old Tiscali these past few days! Hope you get a chance to consider my piece. Great game, it's pretty open and could fit a lot of the tunes above. I'm excited to play it once it's all up and running with music!
Chez


TumbleBall
21 months ago

We're closing this *real* soon and choosing a winner within the next 12 hours! We will narrow it down to another short list with that handy 'eliminate' button and then pick the winner and dole out the cash! Thanks everyone!


Dupont
21 months ago

This project now has "closing" status which means that you can no longer participate. We are all waiting excitedly to see what TumbleBall will decide! :-)

Cheers,
Kristian Dupont of Minimum Noise


TumbleBall
21 months ago

For those of you who can't stand not knowing - we're beginning the selection in 90 minutes, so we should be finished in the next three hours.


R.A.W.
21 months ago

Man, too late... I just finished my "great" track for TumbleBall ;) - too bad, now I have to wait for another game that needs music. ;)


TumbleBall
21 months ago

Down to eight tracks! We thought we'd have decided by now... give us just a few more hours!


Mooquu Music
21 months ago

:( see I didn't make the 2nd short list, well, may the best man (woman) win! lots of great stuff up there


TumbleBall
21 months ago

We want to thank everyone, including those who didn't make the short lists. Each track has actually helped us define what our game is, and we truly appreciate it. The wonderful UK musician who we eventually chose as our winner, an eleventh hour submission, had some of the best elements we adored of all the tracks - the loose improvisation, unique quality of sound, the polytempo elements, and just this overall sense of play.

This wonderful community has certainly made a repeat customer out of us - expect to see us back, you folks are truly amazing.


Pascal
21 months ago

The only woman (as far as i can see) has beat us ;). Congratz miss chez! nice contribution!
Tumblemall, i don't know if it's me. but your website (flash?) isnt working in ie7 and ie8. It works in firefox. Just to let you know. Goodluck with your project!

Miniumum Noise, why do you let people submit massive amounts of tracks? I think you should limit it to 1 or 2 to keeps things fair and to let composers do more effort, certainly i will!

Anyway, happy creativity everyone!


SergeiStern
21 months ago

Congratulations, Chez :)


miss-chez-taylor
21 months ago

Thanks for the glowing comments everyone, I feel most humble to have been selected out of the massive amount of talent here!
Warmest
Chez


Mihai_Sorohan
21 months ago

Congrats to the winner.
I like the jazzy/ bluesy feel and voices bring a lot of "human feel" to make the track interesting and "playful".

@Pascal
Do you think that being creative should be censored by Minimum Noise ?
I think is fair enough to give the freedom to project owner to choose from as many tracks possible. Also it's fair to composers to let everyone to express their creativity.

As much as I envy people with more creativity than mine, I would never ask "the officials" to limit it for them in order to "give me a fair chance".


jtm
21 months ago

Congrats to the winner


Pascal
21 months ago

@Mihai
I see miniumum noise as a contest website. A contest should have rules to give everyone a fair change.
But maybe i'm thinking to much of a contest.

In generally, 'more' doesnt necessary mean more creativity.
We should never limit creativity, but sometimes limitation can boost creativity. Think about it!

Anyway, i like what you're doing. you're very talented, i especially like the quality of your tracks.
I hope i will get there someday..

cheers!


CicekCiftMuzik
21 months ago

I was hopeful about winning till that last song was submitted, then I thought it would be the best option for this game.
Congratulations Miss Ches-Taylor, it is really in-sync with the game.


Mihai_Sorohan
21 months ago

@ Pascal
Thank you for your very flattering words toward my music.
I think your tracks are good.
Anyway, I will start several forum threads about jazz theory, music production tips (some that I learned by myself, some that I've seen on internet and applied successfully, some I've seen at better producers) and some free software solutions.

To some people, sometimes limitations can increase creativity but generally speaking limitations are limitations (thank you "Captain Obvious" sez me to myself).
As I see, this is more of a market place not a contest. You "put on the table" what you have and yell to people to buy it. More can mean better sales, more exposure and can show that you are familiar with many different styles, so you can "remix" your track to different requirements.
But again, this project prove that more doesn't mean always better, look what happened: Chez had one track and won with it :))) and many others had several tracks and... nothing :))) (me included) :)))


Dupont
21 months ago

Congratulations to the winner and thanks to everyone who participated!
This project has kept me busy more than usual but I have received some great feedback and it has really given us a lot to think about. Thanks for bearing with us and for your help - I hope that we can make this site a valuable resource to both people that need music and people who produce it :-)

Oh, and can I just say that I am in awe of the amount of talent in our relatively smal userbase. You guys rock!

Kristian Dupont of Minimum Noise


TumbleBall
21 months ago

Alright, my last comments here:
You guys all rock, and the music is finally in the game for you all to enjoy! http://www.tumbleball.com/

Thanks once again, it was a BLAST working with you all!