Creating Music for Video Games by Joe Whitfield (Plugin Project blog)

Working as a Young Music Leader at Quench Arts for their Plugin project has given me the chance to witness the incredible creativity and potential of young people. Among the many experiences I’ve had in the inpatient mental health setting where I worked, one project stands out - a journey where a young person (YP) channelled their passion for computer programming into something truly unique, creating a dynamic track for a video game. This was more than just a music project; it was a process of creativity, building focus, and developing confidence.

Merging Passions

The YP was incredibly enthusiastic about video game programming. Their excitement was infectious as they described the mechanics and ideas behind the games they were building. However, shifting this energy toward music-making initially proved to be a challenge. It was clear that music, on its own, wasn’t enough to grab their attention. Instead of trying to separate their love for programming from the sessions, we decided to blend the two passions together. The idea of creating soundtracks for their games transformed the dynamic entirely. By tying music to something they already loved, it made the process relevant and engaging. Almost immediately, their focus improved, and they began to see how music could enhance the stories and worlds they were building.

Crafting Music for Video Games

Once we had a clear direction, we started creating tracks specifically tailored to their games. Each piece was designed to match different scenarios: fast, energetic music for action-packed fight scenes, and slower, ambient tracks for calmer gameplay moments. Using synthesizers and effects, we explored how to create unique soundscapes that fit their vision. The sessions were highly interactive, with the YP experimenting with different effects, adjusting tempos, and layering sounds. They especially enjoyed exploring static and other unconventional effects, giving their tracks a distinctly “video game” feel. Seeing their excitement as we worked together to fine-tune the tracks was one of the most rewarding aspects of the process.

Learning New Skills

Beyond the production side, we also incorporated traditional music skills into the sessions. Using a MIDI keyboard, I taught the YP some basic piano techniques, which they quickly picked up. The melodies they created on the piano became the foundation for many of the tracks we produced. At first, they were hesitant about playing the piano, unsure if they could balance it with learning production. But as they practiced, their confidence grew. They began to see how even simple melodies could become the backbone of a great track. The MIDI keyboard became a bridge between the traditional and the digital, showing how both worlds could come together in a way that felt personal and professional.

Completing the Track: Temple Escape

The crowning achievement of our work was completing their first full track, “Temple Escape”. This dynamic piece captured the energy and excitement of their video game, shifting seamlessly between high-energy sections for fight scenes and slower, more atmospheric moments for quieter parts of the game. The name was their idea, shouted with a huge smile as we finished the project. Their pride in the work was infectious, and it was clear that completing the track had given them not just a piece of music but a sense of accomplishment and ownership over their creativity.

The Transformation

What stood out most over the course of the project was the transformation in the YP. At the start, they struggled with focus and were more interested in talking about their programming than engaging with music. But by linking music to their existing passion, we found a way to keep them motivated and excited. By the end, they were fully immersed in the creative process. They eagerly experimented with new sounds and techniques, taking pride in the music they were creating. What began as a challenge became a way for them to express themselves and discover new possibilities.

Why It Matters

This experience reinforced the importance of meeting young people where they are. By connecting their love of gaming with music, we created something deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about teaching music or producing a track; it was about empowering them to see what they could achieve with their skills and imagination. Helping them create 2 tracks to take away was more than just a project, it showed personal growth, creativity, and self-expression. It’s a reminder of how powerful it can be to blend education with passion, and how patience, understanding, and shared enthusiasm can unlock something truly special.