Innovation deficit

So why the lack of innovation in recent times? Advances in technology and sound quality mean it's easy to produce something that sounds professional even if your skills aren't up to scratch, particularly because certain styles (like dance music) are easily replicated. This is why packages such as Music have proved so immensely popular with the masses, and why the Amiga's NoiseTracker program was a much sought-after utility.

Heavy use of CD-based audio is also a crucial factor; a bi-product of the need for higher capacity storage media, it encourages many musicians to take the easy route. However, modern games are much bigger, demanding a lot more audio content, so in this respect is it any wonder that some will knock out lengthy, formulaic tunes to get the job done?

The N64's limited cartridge sizes doubtless took musicians by surprise. No possibility of spooling lengthy tracks here. In fact, for many musicians it was a case of going back to their NoiseTracker tactics in order to squeeze out decent tunes. Only a small minority of PlayStation titles harness this sequenced/chip music - it's far easier to spool a studio-produced track from CD, as technical constraints are almost nonexistent.

Additionally, modern development methods demand that musicians today work within stricter parameters, and to stricter deadlines than their predecessors, resulting in a relative loss of creative freedom. And, of course, improved sounds and enhanced realism mean that a piece has to suit the game, blend in, and enhance the experience. Gone are the synthy, computer-esque noises, which have been replaced by anything from classical ballads through to thumping rock anthems. This realism, in a sense, can limit the music's verve.