Rescore a part of a game... without knowing the original music!
The ReimaginingVGM Jam is a type of "friendly contest", where participants will be given a bunch of images and/or clips on a game's area or cutscene, and they will have to rescore the scene... however, the clips and images will have no music, so it's up to the composers to develop the music of the scene!
The composers are free to pick the genre and style of the music they're making, so go wild and have fun! And don't worry, even if you do know the original style, you don't need to adhere to it.
Submit your works in .mp3, .wav, .ogg, or .flac format on itch.io and your preferred streaming platform (like SoundCloud or YouTube), and don't forget to include a screenshot of your DAW, scores, or tracker to prove your originality and ownership. This is optional, but if you wish, you can also add the song to the original clips!
Remind yourself that the song needs to fit the scene. The context here is what drives the music, so be wise in your composing decisions!
Everything submitted must be original and must not contain any copyrighted content or AI generated material.
FAQ
| Q&A | |
|---|---|
| Q: How long? | A: at least 1 minute long, but don't exceed 8 minutes, though! |
| Q: How many tracks? | A: Only one, however, I suggest you put a lot of thought into the song! |
| Q: What do I need to submit? | When creating the project on itch.io, you will need to upload the following: • .mp3, .wav, .ogg or .flac file of the track(s) ○ The title of the file should also have your username on it (e.g. John Doe - Example.wav) • Screen recording or screenshot(s) evidence of your DAW ○ Uploaded as screenshot(s) on itch.io ○ to YouTube as screen recording ○ or as .pdf if a score on itch.io • Cover art (optional but ideal to differentiate your submission) ○ The cover size on itch.io is 630x500 px When submitting to the jam, you will be asked for the following: ○ Description of entry (e.g. genre, runtime, software you used, inspirations, your process, etc.) ○ Link to streaming service of your choice (preferably SoundCloud or YouTube) ○ Soundtrack use permission, would you like others to be able to use your soundtrack? ○ Your contact information (everything in the FAQ copied from LoneRabbit's OST Composing Jams btw, thank you for inspiring this one and so many others.) |
| Q: Will there be any themes? | A: Yes and no, there will be a musical constraint announced at the start of the jam, but unlike other OST Composing Jams there won't be any themes. |
| Q: What program/DAW can I use? | A: You can use any programs, DAWs, or trackers you want. You can even handwrite your scores and perform it yourself. |
| Q: Can I use pre-made loops? | A: Yes, as long as the majority of the work is still your own composition and arrangement. |
| Q: How about samples and sfx? | A: Yes, but please make sure you have the legal rights to use them. |
| Q: Can I submit a soundtrack for a game that already exists? | A: No, it is required that all participants compose an original soundtrack for a game that does not yet exist before the jam. |
| Q: Can I submit multiple entries? | A: No |
| Q: Can I use this jam to finish/submit an existing project I already started on? | A: No, it is required that all participants start from scratch for this jam. If you really want to start off from an existing project anyway, please make sure it is at least less than 30% finished as it wouldn’t be fair to other participants otherwise. |
| Q: Can I use the soundtrack I composed for other projects later on? | A: Yes, we do not own anything you submit. All rights are reserved to the original composer(s). |
| Q: Can it be a remix? | A: No, but you can take some inspirations and ideas from them. |
RATING
The rating period will take one week after the jam ends, and everyone who participates can vote! Your track will be judged on:
- Impression: Did the track interest you? Did it bore you? Did it leave you wanting for more?
- Composition: Musical writing, harmony, pacing, catchiness, etc.
- Relation to Theme: How well does it fit the scene in question? (Not related to style)
- Creativity: Did the submission seem unique? Was there anything you'd consider intriguing? etc.
- Quality: Mixing/Mastering, Sound Design, Instrument/Soundbank/VST selection, etc.
Participants who try to manipulate the voting will be disqualified.
EXTRAS
Join the discord for more information, and to hang out with the other participants and other people interested in music!