Games in concert

In this study we explored whether a virtual 3d environment in combination with various game mechanics can function as a creative playground for collaborative music making in a virtual space. The virtual environment is created using Unity3D which communicates to any OSC-enabled music software or programming environment, for example Max. Up to six players were presented with a virtual environment consisting of three interlinked mini games enabling them to create- and control various parameters of the sound. Furthermore it was possible to change the placement of the sound sources within the virtual space and to add reverb. This was reflected by changing the real space position of the sounds provided by a surround installation of eight loudspeakers using the Ambisonics surround panning technology. During preliminary tests we could observe a quick appropriation of the provided surroundings while players felt like being truly creative, resulting in unexpected musical situations. Additionally a very quick and non-verbal distribution of the participants amongst the “instruments” did occur, meaning spectators could spontaneously enter and contribute to the experience. We conclude that collaborative music making in a virtual space, especially in combination with modern game mechanics, might not only lead to a new way of how we create but also how we perceive music in a modern era.