eLearnAfrica
Game Design and Development: A Bit-by-Bit History of Video Game Music
Abertay University
  • Start Date: 14 Jun, 2021
  • 2 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Chart the evolution of the classic 8-bit sound and discover the role of musicians in game design and development.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn partnership.

Chart the history of video game music, bit by bit


From early arcade games to modern open-world adventures, video game soundtracks have made an indelible mark on our culture.


On this course, you’ll get an introduction to video game music and the platforms that define it (including Atari and NES), focusing on the evolution of the classic 8-bit sound.


Featuring exclusive interviews with top video game composers and musicians, you’ll get hands-on with recorded examples, downloadable demos, and sample code.


You’ll draw on technology, musicology, and cultural studies to chart the development of the best video game music – from Pong to the complex arrangements of today’s first-person shooters.


This course is designed for anyone interested in game design and development. This includes those considering studying it at university and entering the games industry or becoming a video game music composer.


It will also appeal to anyone interested in electronic or gaming music, movie soundtracks, screen media, and video games.


Some experience of music notation and music theory would be helpful, but no prior knowledge is required or assumed.


No specific software or hardware is required for this course.


Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

Abertay University

This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with FutureLearn.

You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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