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THE MAKING OF THE BIGGEST AAA MUSIC SOUNDTRACK & AUDIO PRODUCTION IN THE HISTORY OF ONLINE VIDEO SLOT GAMES (PART 1 OF 3)

Castle Builder was unique. The first in a new class of online AAA video slot games. One that had never been attempted in the history of online video slot games. One that was set to push the boundaries of online gambling applications. One that was in a class all of its own. No other company had a game like it. As a result, Castle Builder needed a powerful music score and audio production that could match the project's scope and ambition...



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7 years ago
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OVERTURE

Castle Builder was a game changer. The sheer size of the graphic production was colossal. Ten complex Castle designs were required for each of the game’s several kingdoms. And each kingdom would take the player to different locations, cultures and realms. To immerse the player into each of these unique kingdoms, a plethora of emotions would have to be conveyed throughout the game.

To match the project’s groundbreaking production values, a mind-blowing music score was created.

The client, Rabcat, pursued production carefully. A prototype of Castle Builder was teased at the ICE Totally Gaming fair in London early in 2012. And revealed the complete production at the London ICE fair in early 2013. The project was huge. However, initially, the music and audio production for the project did not quite match the game’s overall ambitions, with only one piece of music set to be played while constructing all 10 castles within a kingdom.

But fate has its ways. And circumstances conspired to push the music production to heights worthy of the game’s scope. That is why Rabcat approached MADLORD.

Exceeding expectation, MADLORD submitted three pieces of music for each kingdom, suggesting a switch between them according to the game stage and castle building stage, thus adding dynamism to the music within a castle.

However, it wasn’t a smooth road.

This project was a true labor of love.

There are usually three possibilities when a new type of production is introduced to the industry:

1 – The first production is unforgettable, mind blowing. A game changer.

2 – The first production is ok and later improved further and further until the initial vision is reached.

3 – It is a total failure and not pursued further.

For this project, MADLORD aimed to push the limits. Set new standards. Go far beyond the ordinary.

The mission was clear: make the first Castle Builder the one to remember. The one that will stick in the hearts and minds of players around the world. There won’t be another first time.

This was the moment to make a statement in online gambling.
JUNE 2012

`I DREAM OF´ MUSIC SOUNDTRACK

The kingdom was one of Disney proportions. Love and romance had to form the foundation of this orchestral score.

MADLORD evoked these fundamental emotions, with charming twists and turns of woodwinds, chimes and xylophones. Sudden bursts of brass and orchestra crescendos. The beloved add9sus7sus13 I/bVII, M7 chords supporting moments of tension and release. All combining to create the magic required for this kingdom.

The aim was to create the emotional impact of a Broadway score.

The score was challenging. Love and romance differ greatly from typical fantasy and adventure genres.

Broadway musicals, such as Miss Saigon, were studied in detail to exploit the evocative effect of harmony in this genre.

The score was a joy to create. After all, love and romance are intimately linked with fantasy.

Lyrics were always part of the plan.

In fact, there were lyrics written – harking back to Broadway spectaculars – but no time left to record the tenor and mezzo soprano voices to complete the music and take it to a new level. Part A was the main idea. And now that it was done, work on the next kingdom would commence. The rest of this instrumental piece would be left to be completed in the future.

JULY 2012

`DESSERT TRANCE´ & `FORBIDDEN ECSTASY´ MUSIC SOUNDTRACKS

The sensual timbre of the Duduk was absolutely essential in this eastern-based score. As was the eastern-tuned string ensemble. Which, when mixed with the twelve-tone equal temperament tuning of the west, created a good balance easily understood by western ears. And at the same time, it gave a taste of the exotic and sensual sounds of the Middle East.

Previous Egyptian-inspired music projects had given MADLORD knowledge of the Arabic Maqam-system. Which served as a point of inspiration. A further study of similar Persian scales helped MADLORD to delve into this region more deeply.

Finally, the Turkish Maqam (Makam) Zengule scale was used for the ascending melody and the Persian Homayoun scale when descending. And alternating between both as MADLORD saw fit.

Two things had to be portrayed by the music.

The vastness of the Middle East. And the intoxicating sensual element of this rich and ancient region.

The original piece was longer. Later it had to be divided into two – “Desert Trance” and “Forbidden Ecstasy”. The pieces came in a moment of inspiration. The exploding passion of hidden desires resides in the heart of every mortal that has ever lived. In the hands of artists, a slight flash of remembrance can unleash hours of creativity.

The climax of this piece is quite different from the finale of “In Search of the Lost Kingdom”.

The climax is completely feminine

It is preceded by a dance of seduction. Constantly pounding your heart beat as it slowly becomes more, and more arousing. Suddenly a clear change of mood takes place. The Duduk spells this hypnotic state. Emerging like an oasis of pleasure. A brief moment preceding the ecstasy.

Followed by waves and waves of crescendo cymbals and french horns, until the climax is reached.

But it does not end abruptly. It goes on. And on. And on. And then, another wave of ecstasy comes. And another.

Then three more.

The orchestral score was almost complete at this stage. Now with two strong kingdom music scores almost complete, it was time to move on to the next important task: interface sounds.

The rest of the kingdoms would be dealt with at a later stage…

…to be continued in Part 2.

        

EXPERIENCE THE OTHERWORLDLY

Listen to the Castle Builder I music soundtrack now.

PLAY THE GAME

Castle Builder Video Slot

All named games, game’s artwork and game’s trademarks shown on this project are property of Rabcat Computer Graphics GmbH.

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Foxium


Foxium is a supplier of premium video slot games to the online gambling and casino industry. Based in Estonia, they create a superior gaming experience through exceptionally crafted games built around storytelling. A rising name in the casino gaming industry.

MADLORD has provided Foxium with the following services for their premium video slots and trailers:

- Music Composition
- Sound Design
- Voice Overs
- Audio Post Production

Client —

Golden Rock Studios


“MADLORD understands quickly our audio needs and add their own unique creative flair to produce sounds that are far beyond the ordinary.”

Golden Rock Studios is a supplier of casino games to the international gambling industry. Based in Gibraltar and founded by two of the most respected leaders in the gambling game industry’s, they produce video slot and casino games focused on delivering a unique and thrilling gaming experience. For Golden Rock Studios experience is everything.

MADLORD has provided Golden Rock Studios with the following services for their video slots and trailers:

- Music Composition
- Sound Design
- Voice Overs

Client —

Megara



MEGARA is a band born in Spain. They classify their style as a perfect mix between sinister and cotton candy. MEGARA has placed itself in its short life in the spotlight of both the press and the public with a strong fan base in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and throughout Latin-America. Its bipolar facet mixes darkness with the totally opposite side to it, loaded with unicorns, knickknacks and fucksia.

MADLORD has provided MEGARA with the following services for the closing concert of their tour "Aquí Todos Estamos Locos":

- Backtrack Audio Post-Production and Sound Design for the drum solo performance

Client —

Play'n GO


“MADLORD’s unique skillset and experience will play an essential role in executing Play’n GO’s vision to be the world’s best provider of iGaming content.”

Play'n GO is one of the largest and most recognized gaming entertainment suppliers of online slots to the casino industry in the world. Their innovation leads the industry by providing an unmatched portfolio of titles to regulated casino operators in over 25 jurisdictions.

Since 2020, MADLORD has provided Play'n GO with the following services for over 40 projects including their premium line of video slots and video trailers:

  • Consultancy on innovative Audio Production and
    Sound Integration techniques for video slots
  • Audio Post-Production for Video Trailers
  • Music Composition
  • Sound Design
  • Voice Overs
  • Songwriting
Client —

Rabcat


“MADLORD delivered and excelled with his audio productions the demanded high quality and was integral in creating our most iconic gambling video slots.”

Rabcat is one of Europe´s leading digital entertainment production houses, providing high-end art and animation production for the international video game industry, and premium video slot games for the online gambling industry.

MADLORD has provided Rabcat with the following services for over 40 games, including their revered premium line of video slots, video poker, video trailers and teasers:

  • Music Composition
  • Audio Post-Production
  • Sound Design
Client —

Santillana publishing


Santillana is the leading textbook publishing group in Spain and Latin America, selling over 125 million books each year. Santillana is also part of PRISA, the largest media group in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking markets, and leader in education, news, information and entertainment.

MADLORD has provided Santillana with the following services:

  • Voice Overs
  • Audio Post-Production
Client —

The Santander Group


The Santander Group is a major global banking organization, serving over 102 million customers across Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia.

MADLORD has provided The Santander Group with the following services:

  • Voice Overs
  • Audio Post-Production
Client —

Tom Horn Gaming


Tom Horn Gaming is a well stablished supplier of casino software and gambling solutions across international markets. The company's extensive experience accross land-based and online environments allows them to deliver highly engaging and commercially successful video slot games. With math models carefully developed to suit players in international markets.

MADLORD has provided Tom Horn Gaming with the following services for their video slots:

- Music Composition
- Sound Design

Client —

University of Dayton Publishing


Part of Grupo SM and with close links to one of the most respected universities in the USA, University of Dayton Publishing specializes in providing high-quality English language teaching and learning materials.

MADLORD has provided University of Dayton Publishing with the following services:

  • Voice Overs
  • Audio Post-Production
Client —

Vodafone


Vodafone is one of the world's leading telecommunications companies, owning and operating mobile networks in 26 countries and providing telecommunications and IT services to corporate clients in 150 countries.

MADLORD has provided Vodafone with the following services:

  • Music Composition
  • Voice Overs
  • Audio Post-Production