Interactive/Generative Music in Games

What if game music didn't just play in the background, but actually responded to everything you do? This talk explores how modern games create dynamic soundtracks that adapt in real-time to gameplay and how we got here historically. We'll discover the difference between interactive music (which changes based on your actions, like battle music that intensifies as you take damage) and generative music (which creates unique compositions on the fly using algorithms and rules). You'll learn about the creative and technical challenges of composing music that never plays the same way twice, and how sound designers use layers, stems, and clever programming to make music that's truly alive. No musical background required—just curiosity about how games use sound to pull you deeper into their worlds.