Not long ago I released a new and unconventional Imphenzia track named "Time Travel" - check out the video of the track:
This track rocketed to the #1 chart at soundclick.com and it also received great feedback on facebook. It is, however, a very different style compared to most other Imphenzia tracks released in the past.
The track, the feedback, and some recent expansion pack purchases for Nexus got me inspired to create more music.
Merry Christmas everyone =)
The blog is being migrated and merged with multiple Imphenzia blogs so the format and content will be inconsistent for a while.
Scripts for Watermarking and Encoding Audio
I've decided to publish the scripts that I use to watermark and encode music audio files into MP3 and OGG files with meta tags. I hope this will help someone out there who needs to frequently watermark and/or encode audio files into WAV, MP3 and OGG files at different bit rates.
Maybe the simplest way to start off is to demonstrate how the scripts work with this video:
This is a VBScript that will loop through a directory full of WAV audio files and mix them with watermark audio files. The script uses the free application Sound eXchange (SoX) to achieve this.
The script is also designed to take the duration of the audio file to be watermarked and apply a watermark with a suitable frequency.
Shorter audio files will be watermarked frequently and longer audio files will have less frequent watermarks to make it less annoying.
You can customize the watermark files to contain anything you want. If you want to change the name or format of them you'll have to modify the script appropriately.
You can download the entire script package and demo files at the top of this post, but if you wish to have a look at the script itself, here it is:
This is a script that will loop through two directories, one full of original WAV audio/music files and one full of watermarked WAV files (if you previously ran the Create_watermarks.vbs script). As the script loops through all the available WAV files it will encode them into MP3 and OGG files and also update the meta tags containing information such as title, artist, publisher, copyright info, comments, URL, etc.
The script is designed so that you can enter meta tags and customize bit rate that you wish to encode your files with. Once you've got this running you can quickly re-encode your files into any bitrate or modify the meta tags without having to do it all manually.
You can download the entire script package and demo files at the top of this post, but if you wish to have a look at the script itself, here it is:
Maybe the simplest way to start off is to demonstrate how the scripts work with this video:
(Watch in HD at YouTube for better readability)
Click HERE TO DOWNLOAD the zip file containing the scripts.
Create_watermark.vbs Explained
This is a VBScript that will loop through a directory full of WAV audio files and mix them with watermark audio files. The script uses the free application Sound eXchange (SoX) to achieve this.
The script is also designed to take the duration of the audio file to be watermarked and apply a watermark with a suitable frequency.
Shorter audio files will be watermarked frequently and longer audio files will have less frequent watermarks to make it less annoying.
You can customize the watermark files to contain anything you want. If you want to change the name or format of them you'll have to modify the script appropriately.
You can download the entire script package and demo files at the top of this post, but if you wish to have a look at the script itself, here it is:
' #############################################################################
' IMPHENZIA SOUNDTRACK WATERMARKING SCRIPT http://soundtrack.imphenzia.com
' #############################################################################
' ## DESCRIPTION ##############################################################
' This VB script uses Sound eXchange (SoX) (http://sox.sourceforge.net) to
' create watermarked WAV files.
' Based on the duration of the WAV files you wish to watermark, the script
' will select a suitable frequency of the watermark. By default the following
' logic is applied:
' 0-5 second music file: watermark occurs every 2.5 seconds
' 5-15 second music file: watermark occurs every 5 seconds
' 15-30 second music file: watermark occurs every 10 seconds
' 30-1200 second music file: watermark occurs every 30 seconds
' > 20 minutes files are not supported - change the script if necessary.
' ## INSTRUCTIONS #############################################################
' 1. Put your original WAV files that you wish to watermarked in the
' subfolder "input-wav-originals"
' 2. Execute this script and it will create watermarked WAV files in the
' subfolder "output-wav-watermarked"
' ## CHANGING THE WATERMARK ###################################################
' The default watermark says the word "preview" at different intervals
' depending on the duration of the WAV file. You can change the watermark
' audio files but I recommend that you keep the name and ogg format of the
' watermark files so you don't have to modify the script.
' To change the watermark, replace the audio in the watermark files. Use
' trial and error to find a suitable volume (I recommend peaks at around
' -8 dB) and frequency of the watermark.
' ## LICENSE ##################################################################
' You're free to use this script and the watermark OGG files free of charge.
' If this script saves you a lot of time, a donation to [email protected]
' is very welcome =)
' SoX is a free application available at the URL in the description. This
' script is very dependent on the exact output SoX generates to read
' information so a version of SoX is included in the archive.
' (You may not sell the script or any of the files)
Dim source_folder, destination_folder
Dim watermark_folder, watermark_file, log_filename
' ## CUSTOMIZABLE VARIABLES ###################################################
source_folder = "input-wav-originals"
destination_folder = "output-wav-watermarked"
watermark_folder = "input-watermarks"
log_filename = "watermark-log.txt" ' Filename for log file (overwritten)
use_volume = true ' Watermark volume based on original
' You shouldn't need to edit any of the below script
' -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dim wshshell, filesys, folder, files_collection, filecount, filename
Dim outputfile, logoutput, duration, volume, volumedecimal, n
' ## Create Filesystem Objects
Set wshshell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set filesys = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set folder = filesys.GetFolder(source_folder & "\.")
Set files_collection = folder.Files
Set logoutput = filesys.OpenTextFile(log_filename, 2, True)
' ## Ensure that the output directory exists, if not then create it
if not filesys.FolderExists( destination_folder ) then _
filesys.CreateFolder destination_folder
' ## Create header in log file
logoutput.WriteLine("Source File, Source Duration, Watermark, " & _
"Source Amplitude, Watermark Amplitude")
' ## Loop through all original wav files
filecount = files_collection.Count
for each file in files_collection
filename = file.name
if lcase(right(filename,4))=".wav" then
' ## If a watermarked version does not exists, create one
if not filesys.FileExists( destination_folder & "\" & filename ) then
' ## Select appropriate watermarked file based on duration of source file
duration = CLng(runCMD("sox --info -s """ & _
source_folder & "\" & filename & """"))
if duration <= 220500 then _
watermark_file = watermark_folder & "\preview-0-5sec.ogg"
if duration > 220500 and duration <= 661500 then _
watermark_file = watermark_folder & "\preview-5-15sec.ogg"
if duration > 661500 and duration <= 1323000 then _
watermark_file = watermark_folder & "\preview-15-30sec.ogg"
if duration > 1323000 then _
watermark_file = watermark_folder & "\preview-30-1200sec.ogg"
' ## If volume is used, set volume based on amplitude of source wav file
if use_volume then
volume = runCMDAlt("sox """ & source_folder & "\" & filename & _
""" -n stat")
volume = mid(volume,123,8)
volumedecimal = CDbl(replace(volume, ".", ","))
else
volumedecimal = 1.0
end if
' ## Mix source wav file and watermark file to create a watermarked file
wshshell.Run "sox -m -v 1 """ & source_folder & "\" & filename & _
""" -v " & replace((volumedecimal*volumedecimal),",",".") & _
" """ & watermark_file & """ """ & destination_folder & _
"\" & filename & """ trim 0s " & duration & "s",0,true
' ## Write the action to log file
logoutput.WriteLine(source_folder & "\" & filename & "," & _
watermark_file & "," & replace((CDbl(duration)/44100),",",".") & "," & _
volume & "," & replace((volumedecimal*volumedecimal),",","."))
n=n+1
end if
end if
next
if n=0 then
wscript.echo "No Files Created " & vbCrLf & _
"If watermarked files already exist they are not recreated"
else
wscript.echo "Done! " & vbCrLf & n & " Watermarked File(s) Created "
end if
' Supporting function to capture the output of command line
function runCMD(strRunCmd)
Set objExec = wshshell.Exec(strRunCmd)
strOut = ""
Do While Not objExec.StdOut.AtEndOfStream
strOut = strOut & objExec.StdOut.ReadLine()
Loop
runCMD = strOut
End Function
' Supporting function to capture error output (workaround)
Function runCMDAlt(strRunCmd)
Set objExec = wshshell.Exec(strRunCmd)
strOut = ""
strOut = objExec.StdErr.ReadAll()
runCMDAlt = strOut
End Function
Encode_files.vbs Explained
This is a script that will loop through two directories, one full of original WAV audio/music files and one full of watermarked WAV files (if you previously ran the Create_watermarks.vbs script). As the script loops through all the available WAV files it will encode them into MP3 and OGG files and also update the meta tags containing information such as title, artist, publisher, copyright info, comments, URL, etc.
The script is designed so that you can enter meta tags and customize bit rate that you wish to encode your files with. Once you've got this running you can quickly re-encode your files into any bitrate or modify the meta tags without having to do it all manually.
You can download the entire script package and demo files at the top of this post, but if you wish to have a look at the script itself, here it is:
' #############################################################################
' IMPHENZIA SOUNDTRACK ENCODING SCRIPT http://soundtrack.imphenzia.com
' #############################################################################
' Version: 1.0
' ## DESCRIPTION ##############################################################
' This scripts encodes the wav files in the folder "input-wav-originals" and
' "output-wav-watermarked" into MP3 and OGG files.
' The script also creates meta tags for the MP3 and OGG files based on the
' source file name and additional customizable in this script.
' You can set the bitrate of the MP3 and OGG files in this script as well.
' ## INSTRUCTIONS #############################################################
' 1. Ensure that the WAV files in the "input-wav-originals" folder and the
' "output-wav-watermarked" folders contain files named according to the
' following naming standard:
' Arist Name_Song Name_Music Genre_Year
' Example:
' Imphenzia Soundtrack_Fog of War (Main Part Loop)_Orchestral_2011.wav
' 2. Customize the encoding bitrates for the original and watermarked MP3
' and OGG files (see CUSTOMIZABLE ENCODING BITRATES)
' 3. Customize the MP3 and OGG meta tags (see CUSTOMIZABLE MP3 and OGG TAGS)
' 4. Double click on the script to begin the encoding process. The script
' will create MP3 and OGG files in the appropriately named output folders.
' ## LICENSE ##################################################################
' You're free to use this script and the watermark OGG files free of charge.
' If this script saves you a lot of time, a donation to [email protected]
' is very welcome =)
' This script uses the following freeware and/or open source applications:
' lame.exe - http://www.mp3dev.org
' metamp3.exe - http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49751
' oggenc.exe - http://www.rarewares.org/ogg-oggenc.php
' tag.exe - http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Tag_(tagger)
' (You may not sell the script or any of the files)
Dim source_folder, source_watermarked_folder
Dim destination_mp3_original, destination_mp3_watermarked
Dim destination_ogg_original, destination_ogg_watermarked
Dim mp3_original_bitrate, mp3_watermarked_bitrate
Dim ogg_original_bitrate, ogg_watermarked_bitrate
Dim tag_encoder_name, tag_publisher_name, tag_copyright_name, tag_url
Dim tag_composer_name, tag_comment, tag_album, tag_watermarked_prefix
' ## CUSTOMIZABLE FOLDERS #####################################################
source_folder = "input-wav-originals"
source_watermarked_folder = "output-wav-watermarked"
destination_mp3_original = "output-mp3-original"
destination_mp3_watermarked = "output-mp3-watermarked"
destination_ogg_original = "output-ogg-original"
destination_ogg_watermarked = "output-ogg-watermarked"
' ## CUSTOMIZABLE ENCODING BITRATES ###########################################
mp3_original_bitrate = "160" ' Bitrate in kbps
mp3_watermarked_bitrate = "96" ' Bitrate in kbps
ogg_original_bitrate = "128" ' Bitrate in kbps
ogg_watermarked_bitrate = "64" ' Bitrate in kbps
' ## CUSTOMIZABLE MP3 and OGG TAGS#############################################
tag_encoder_name = "ENCODER NAME HERE"
tag_publisher_name = "PUBLISHER NAME HERE"
tag_copyright_name = "COPYRIGHT HOLDER NAME HERE"
tag_url = "http://YOUR URL HERE"
tag_composer_name = "COMPOSER NAME HERE"
tag_comment = "Encoded using script by http://soundtrack.imphenzia.com"
tag_album = "TEXT FOR ALBUM FIELD HERE"
tag_watermarked_prefix = "Preview: "
' You shouldn't need to edit any of the below script
' -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
' Ensure that cscript is executed instead of wscript - otherwise status
' messages will appear in popups instead of console window.
If LCase(Right(Wscript.FullName, 11)) = "wscript.exe" Then
strPath = Wscript.ScriptFullName
strCommand = "%comspec% /k cscript """ & strPath & """"
Set objShell = CreateObject("Wscript.Shell")
objShell.Run(strCommand), 1, True
Wscript.Quit
End If
Dim wshshell, filesys, folder, files_collection, filecount, filename
Dim mp3counter, oggcounter, outputfile
Dim tag_artist, tag_title, tag_genre, tag_year
oggcounter = 0
mp3counter = 0
wscript.echo "Begin encoding process."
Set wshshell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set filesys = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
' ## Ensure that the output directories exists, if not then create them
if not filesys.FolderExists( destination_mp3_original ) then _
filesys.CreateFolder destination_mp3_original
if not filesys.FolderExists( destination_ogg_original ) then _
filesys.CreateFolder destination_ogg_original
if not filesys.FolderExists( destination_mp3_watermarked ) then _
filesys.CreateFolder destination_mp3_watermarked
if not filesys.FolderExists( destination_ogg_watermarked ) then _
filesys.CreateFolder destination_ogg_watermarked
' ## Encode Original (non-watermarked) files ##################################
Set folder = filesys.GetFolder(source_folder & "\.")
Set files_collection = folder.Files
filecount = files_collection.Count
for each file in files_collection
' ## Only process WAV files
filename = file.name
if lcase(right(filename,4))=".wav" then
' ## Set tags based on the filename
' ## Source File Name Format: Artist Name_Song Name_Music Genre_Year
tag_artist = GetParam(filename,0)
tag_title = GetParam(filename,1)
tag_genre = GetParam(filename,2)
tag_year = GetParam(filename,3)
' ## Create web friendly name for output file (artist-name-song-name)
outputfile = WebFriendlyName(GetParam(filename,0) & " - " & _
GetParam(filename,1) ,0,0)
' ## MP3 Encoding ---------------------------------------------------------
' ## Create option string for MP3 meta tags
optstr = ""
optstr = optstr & " --title " & """" & tag_title & """"
optstr = optstr & " --artist " & """" & tag_artist & """"
optstr = optstr & " --comment " & """" & tag_comment & """"
optstr = optstr & " --genre " & """" & tag_genre & """"
optstr = optstr & " --year " & """" & tag_year & """"
optstr = optstr & " --album " & """" & tag_album & """"
optstr = optstr & " --user-url " & """" & tag_url & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TCOM:" & """" & tag_composer_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TENC:" & """" & tag_encoder_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TPUB:" & """" & tag_publisher_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TCOP:" & """" & tag_copyright_name & """"
' ## Only encode the MP3 file if it doesn't already exist
if not filesys.FileExists( destination_mp3_original & "\" & _
outputfile & ".mp3" ) then
wscript.echo "Encoding Original mp3 with a bitrate of " & _
mp3_original_bitrate & "kbps: " & vbCrLf & _
" " & outputfile & ".mp3" & vbCrLf
' ## Use Lame to encode the mp3 file
wshshell.Run "lame.exe -b " & mp3_original_bitrate & _
" -c """ & source_folder & "\" & filename & """ " & _
"""" & destination_mp3_original & "\" & outputfile & _
".mp3""",0,true
' ## Use Metamp3 to create the mp3 tag
wshshell.Run "metamp3.exe " & optstr & " """ & _
destination_mp3_original & "\" & outputfile & _
".mp3""",0,true
mp3counter = mp3counter + 1
end if
' ## OGG Encoding ---------------------------------------------------------
' ## Create option string for OGG meta tags
optstr = ""
optstr = optstr & " --title " & """" & tag_title & """"
optstr = optstr & " --artist " & """" & tag_artist & """"
optstr = optstr & " --comment " & """" & tag_comment & """"
optstr = optstr & " --genre " & """" & tag_genre & """"
optstr = optstr & " --year " & """" & tag_year & """"
optstr = optstr & " --album " & """" & tag_album & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t URL=" & """" & tag_url & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t COMPOSER=" & """" & tag_composer_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t PUBLISHER=" & """" & tag_publisher_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t COPYRIGHT=" & """" & tag_copyright_name & """"
' ## Only encode the OGG file if it doesn't already exist
if not filesys.FileExists( destination_ogg_original & "\" &_
outputfile & ".ogg" ) then
wscript.echo "Encoding Original ogg with a bitrate of " & _
ogg_original_bitrate & "kbps: " & vbCrLf & _
" " & outputfile & ".ogg" & vbCrLf
' ## Use Oggenc to encode the ogg file
wshshell.Run "oggenc.exe -b " & ogg_original_bitrate & _
" --output=""" & destination_ogg_original & "\" & _
outputfile & ".ogg"" """ & source_folder & "\" & _
filename & """",0,true
' ## Use Tag to create the ogg tag
wshshell.Run "Tag.exe " & optstr & " """ & destination_ogg_original & _
"\" & outputfile & ".ogg""",0,true
oggcounter = oggcounter + 1
end if
end if
next
' ## Encode Watermarked files #################################################
Set folder = filesys.GetFolder(source_watermarked_folder & "\.")
Set files_collection = folder.Files
filecount = files_collection.Count
for each file in files_collection
' ## Only process WAV files
filename = file.name
if lcase(right(filename,4))=".wav" then
' ## Set tags based on the filename
' ## Source File Name Format: Artist Name_Song Name_Music Genre_Year
tag_artist = GetParam(filename,0)
tag_title = tag_watermarked_prefix & GetParam(filename,1)
tag_genre = GetParam(filename,2)
tag_year = GetParam(filename,3)
' ## Create web friendly name for output file (artist-name-song-name)
outputfile = WebFriendlyName(GetParam(filename,0) & " - " & _
GetParam(filename,1) ,0,0)
' ## MP3 Encoding ---------------------------------------------------------
' ## Create option string for MP3 meta tags
optstr = ""
optstr = optstr & " --title " & """" & tag_title & """"
optstr = optstr & " --artist " & """" & tag_artist & """"
optstr = optstr & " --comment " & """" & tag_comment & """"
optstr = optstr & " --genre " & """" & tag_genre & """"
optstr = optstr & " --year " & """" & tag_year & """"
optstr = optstr & " --album " & """" & tag_album & """"
optstr = optstr & " --user-url " & """" & tag_url & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TCOM:" & """" & tag_composer_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TENC:" & """" & tag_encoder_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TPUB:" & """" & tag_publisher_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " --frame TCOP:" & """" & tag_copyright_name & """"
' ## Only encode the MP3 file if it doesn't already exist
if not filesys.FileExists( destination_mp3_watermarked & "\" & _
outputfile & ".mp3" ) then
wscript.echo "Encoding Watermarked mp3 with a bitrate of " & _
mp3_watermarked_bitrate & "kbps: " & vbCrLf & _
" " & outputfile & ".mp3" & vbCrLf
' ## Use Lame to encode the mp3 file
wshshell.Run "lame.exe -b " & mp3_watermarked_bitrate & _
" -c """ & source_watermarked_folder & "\" & filename & """ " & _
"""" & destination_mp3_watermarked & "\" & outputfile & _
".mp3""",0,true
' ## Use Metamp3 to create the mp3 tag
wshshell.Run "metamp3.exe " & optstr & " """ & _
destination_mp3_watermarked & "\" & outputfile & _
".mp3""",0,true
mp3counter = mp3counter + 1
end if
' ## OGG Encoding ---------------------------------------------------------
' ## Create option string for OGG meta tags
optstr = ""
optstr = optstr & " --title " & """" & tag_title & """"
optstr = optstr & " --artist " & """" & tag_artist & """"
optstr = optstr & " --comment " & """" & tag_comment & """"
optstr = optstr & " --genre " & """" & tag_genre & """"
optstr = optstr & " --year " & """" & tag_year & """"
optstr = optstr & " --album " & """" & tag_album & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t URL=" & """" & tag_url & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t COMPOSER=" & """" & tag_composer_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t PUBLISHER=" & """" & tag_publisher_name & """"
optstr = optstr & " -t COPYRIGHT=" & """" & tag_copyright_name & """"
' ## Only encode the OGG file if it doesn't already exist
if not filesys.FileExists( destination_ogg_watermarked & "\" &_
outputfile & ".ogg" ) then
wscript.echo "Encoding Watermarked ogg with a bitrate of " & _
ogg_watermarked_bitrate & "kbps: " & vbCrLf & _
" " & outputfile & ".ogg" & vbCrLf
' ## Use Oggenc to encode the ogg file
wshshell.Run "oggenc.exe -b " & ogg_watermarked_bitrate & _
" --output=""" & destination_ogg_watermarked & "\" & _
outputfile & ".ogg"" """ & source_watermarked_folder & _
"\" & filename & """",0,true
' ## Use Tag to create the ogg tag
wshshell.Run "Tag.exe " & optstr & " """ & _
destination_ogg_watermarked & _
"\" & outputfile & ".ogg""",0,true
oggcounter = oggcounter + 1
end if
end if
next
' ## Finished - echo how many files were encoded
if mp3counter + oggcounter = 0 then
wscript.echo "No files were encoded."
wscript.echo "If the output files already exist they are not overwritten."
wscript.echo "Delete them first if you wish re-encode them."
else
wscript.echo "Encoding script reporting that all is done!"
wscript.echo mp3counter & " mp3 files and " & oggcounter & " ogg files encoded"
end if
' Supporting function that gets a parameter from a file name using the
' character _ as a delimiter
Function GetParam(thestring, theparam)
dim returnstring, currentparam
for i=1 to len(thestring)
if mid(thestring,i,1) = "_" then
currentparam=currentparam+1
else
if theparam = currentparam then
returnstring=returnstring + mid(thestring,i,1)
end if
end if
next
if lcase(right(returnstring,4)) = ".wav" then _
returnstring=left(returnstring,len(returnstring)-4)
GetParam = trim(returnstring)
end function
' Ugly supporting function that washes the file name to a "web friendly" file
' name... I would use regexp for this but VBScript is quite limited by default.
Function WebFriendlyName(filename, prefixlength, extlength)
WebFriendlyName = lcase(filename)
WebFriendlyName = right(WebFriendlyName , len(WebFriendlyName )-prefixlength)
WebFriendlyName = left(WebFriendlyName , len(WebFriendlyName )-extlength)
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , " - ", "-")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , "[", "")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , "]", "")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , "(", "")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , ")", "")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , ".", "")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , " ", " ")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , " ", " ")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , " ", " ")
WebFriendlyName = replace(WebFriendlyName , " ", "-")
End Function
Does this save you a lot of time?
Exclusive Music and Work
So far this week I have spent most of my hours awake either in traffic on my way to or back from work, or in work. The few hours I've had to spare at home I've put on composing exclusive music for the three game developers that have contacted me. I've also uploaded some more stuff to the Unity Asset Store and played some Modern Warfare 2. Today I reactivated my Eve Online account (free for 5 days) and the game is truly looking awesome but I simply won't have time to play it unfortunately.
Weekend
First week of "normal" work following my paternity leave is now in the past and I am enjoying a very welcome weekend.
Today I spent a few hours at Uringe, a great sand track south of Stockholm, where I tried to improve my motocross skills. It went fairly well with only one minor crash but plenty of fun. Bike collected some sand as you can see in the picture below - quite easy to clean with the pressure washer though....
I've also recently had requests to create exclusive music for three different games. Two games for the mobile platform (Android + iPhone) and one game is aimed at computers and consoles.
Quite exciting because the music needed is of very different genres and it's a lot of fun to let the creativity take over and see where it leads.
As for Astrofighter.Net I've managed to make slight progress here as well. I've imported the low poly ship versions into Unity and I'm currently placing all the thruster and weapon mount points. Next will be texture mapping the ships and adding script code for the remaining weapon types.
Motocross practice at Uringe
Today I spent a few hours at Uringe, a great sand track south of Stockholm, where I tried to improve my motocross skills. It went fairly well with only one minor crash but plenty of fun. Bike collected some sand as you can see in the picture below - quite easy to clean with the pressure washer though....
Making Exlusive Music for Three Games
I've also recently had requests to create exclusive music for three different games. Two games for the mobile platform (Android + iPhone) and one game is aimed at computers and consoles.
Quite exciting because the music needed is of very different genres and it's a lot of fun to let the creativity take over and see where it leads.
Astrofighter.Net
As for Astrofighter.Net I've managed to make slight progress here as well. I've imported the low poly ship versions into Unity and I'm currently placing all the thruster and weapon mount points. Next will be texture mapping the ships and adding script code for the remaining weapon types.
The ships of Astrofighter.Net
Today was my first day back in my "normal" job as an IT Security Consultant and I'm coming back from a 7 month long paternity leave. It is with mixed emotions that I return because I've really enjoyed spending the time with my family and it has also enabled me to focus a lot on Imphenzia Music/Soundtrack/Games. But then again, you have to earn a living...
Anyway, I've finished creating the 8 types of spaceships to be featured in the game ranging from a light scout to a heavily armored and well equiped beast. The 7 weapon types I'm considering for the game is Blaster, Cannon (Gatling Gun), Plasma Gun, Rail Gun, Laser, Missile Launcher, and Mortar. Here is a preview video:
Anyway, I've finished creating the 8 types of spaceships to be featured in the game ranging from a light scout to a heavily armored and well equiped beast. The 7 weapon types I'm considering for the game is Blaster, Cannon (Gatling Gun), Plasma Gun, Rail Gun, Laser, Missile Launcher, and Mortar. Here is a preview video:
More prototype ships and weapons
Today I modeled the 8th spaceship and all the weapons. I created a low poly and a high poly version of each weapon so I can render "Normal" maps (bump maps) making the weapons appear to have a lot more polygons than they really do. I'll be doing the same for the spaceships as well.
Of course, the ships won't look like this in the game. These are just colored wireframe renders of all the prototype ships in low detail.
Top down view as they will be seen in the game (click for high res picture)
Here is a perspective view of the spaceships as well:
Finally, here is a detailed look at the weapons I created today:
Texturemapping these objects will take a lot longer than it took to model them. Each ship only took about 15-20 minutes each and the weapons took about the same amount of time. I can imagine it will take me a few hours to make the texture maps for each object though, ugh.
2:31am - I'm off.
Of course, the ships won't look like this in the game. These are just colored wireframe renders of all the prototype ships in low detail.
Top down view as they will be seen in the game (click for high res picture)
Here is a perspective view of the spaceships as well:
Finally, here is a detailed look at the weapons I created today:
Texturemapping these objects will take a lot longer than it took to model them. Each ship only took about 15-20 minutes each and the weapons took about the same amount of time. I can imagine it will take me a few hours to make the texture maps for each object though, ugh.2:31am - I'm off.
