A conceptual framework for spotting music in video game development : A study of small studio and startup practices

The game development pipeline is a fundamental process for any game company. Therefore, musical spotting, as a process of determining where in the game and what is trying to be conveyed through music, should be of interest when it comes to the development cycle. This study attempts to broaden the understanding of an under-researched area of applied game development by interviewing five smaller game development studios about their experiences with spotting, attempting to construct a framework for use when spotting music. The data is analysed through the lens of ludomusicology and ludomusical literacy, examining musical identity, diegesis, the roles and functions of music as well as the structure of game development studios. This results in a framework that identifies a three phase process for spotting. The findings of the study are then further contextualised in regards to relevant research and further work related to the study is suggested and discussed.