Introduction
Minecraft is a game that has something for everyone. Artists can sculpt magnificent monuments, architects can build impenetrable fortresses, adventurers can explore dangerous dungeons, engineers have access to Redstone machinery, and leaders can create towns to unite the people. I adore this game to death, but there is one thing that it's missing that alienates a large group of people, including myself. My dear forum, Minecraft is missing the ability to play music.
There are many talented musicians who play this game, which is why I would like to present to you a brand new gameplay element in minecraft-
MusicCraft
Table of Contents
What is MusicCraft?
Playable Instruments
Expanding the Jukebox
Magical Music
Why we should add music to Minecraft
Final Thoughts
What is MusicCraft?
Instruments will be introduced that can be crafted on a crafting table. There will be two kinds of instruments, stationary and mobile. Mobile instruments can be played in your inventory, and stationary instruments must be placed on the ground before use. By right clicking with/on the instrument, the player will go into a music mode where they will be able to play a scale of notes with the 1-8 keys. The scale can be moved up or down by pressing the - or + buttons. Like the jukebox, music should travel around 75 blocks.
Playable Instruments
This section is for me to give examples of some instruments, what they look like, whether they are mobile or stationary, and their unique properties. I will not be giving a crafting template, as people will then start arguing about how the instruments should be made, and completely miss the main idea. Keep in mind these are just examples, and are not to be taken too seriously.
Instrument: Lute
Characteristics: The lute is a stringed wooden instrument that was very popular in old times. It resembles a guitar, and is considered a very diverse and balanced instrument.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The lute is a basic instrument, and has a decent range of notes.
Instrument: Horn
Characteristics: The horn is a shiny, brass instrument.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The Horn specializes in playing low notes.
Instrument: Flute
Characteristics: A flute is a woodwind instrument that is made out of either wood or metal.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The flute will specialize in playing high notes.
Instrument: Piano
Characteristics: A piano is a heavy instrument that has the longest range of keys. Pianists have the ability to play multiple notes at once, using both hands.
Mobile or stationary: Stationary
Unique properties: While sacrificing mobility, pianists are rewarded with the longest range of notes, and are given a second 8 keys so they can play with both hands.
Expanding the jukebox
A little while ago, notch added the jukebox and records. This got me excited, as a jukebox and record system sounds like a great way to record music and sell or share it with other players. Here are two possibilities on how recording music in Minecraft might work.
1. The jukebox records all sounds that is going on around it.
The way the system will work is that a player will craft a blank record and place it into the jukebox. The jukebox will then record all the sound that is going on around it for a maximum of around four minutes. The player will play his song, then hit the jukebox and take the record back. I like this system, but it seems hard to program and very computer intensive.
2. The player writes on the record, like a book or sign.
For this one, Minecraft would have to create a music writing language. The player would right click the blank record, write or copy a song onto it, and then they will be able to play it on a jukebox. It seems like it would work, and people on the forums would be able to share their music files.
Magical Music
I'm not so sure about this one, but it's interesting and worth mentioning. A long time ago, when people were still debating about the magic system, Notch had stated that he wanted the magic system to be more about enchantments and less about pew-pew magic missle. Well, music is often considered magical, which is like I'd like to suggest magical music. Essentially, whenever magic comes out, instruments can be enchanted to have magical secondary effects. Some examples would be slow health regen, luring mobs, and putting enemies to sleep. It would be cool to give enchanted items a magical durability, in which the magic wears off over time, but that's for another suggestion. Like I said, I'm not so sure about this one, and I wouldn't hate Notch if he decides not to add it in.
The affect of adding music to Minecraft
For this section, I'd like to create a pros and cons list! For the Pros I will go into more detail, and for the cons I will give suggestions on how they might be fixed.
Pros
More stuff to do!
Believe it or not, it's easy to get bored when you run out of gameplay mechanics to play around with. Like the rolling plains of Minecraft Alpha, music is infinite. With a music system added, It'll be even harder for people to get bored.
Increased value of certain items
Honestly, the crafting list in Minecraft is relatively small, and that makes it hard to place an accurate value on certain materials. Instruments like the lute and piano can raise the value of the seldom used items like string.
Added profession
Like I said in the Intro, musicians are often alienated in Minecraft because they are not allowed to do what they do best, play music. I think Musician would be a great profession for the RP servers, don't you? There's nothing better after a day of rough mining than visiting to your hometown and seeing a peaceful musician playing tunes in the park.
Breaks the monotony of rigorous gameplay
Back when i used to play Lord of the Rings Online, I used to whip out my flute in between challenging quests and play to break the monotony of running from point A to point B. After a quick 5 minutes of playing, I felt refreshed and ready to work hard again.
Promotes teamwork + strategy
Music has always been a center of teamwork in times of war and peace. In times of war, armies have used music as secret signals to move troops around the battlefield. Heck, Napoleon once used a band of trumpeters to make his army seem much larger than it was, thus scaring off the opposing side. In times of peace, we've had great bands that moved a nation. Adding music is a great way to promote teamwork and player interaction in Minecraft.
Cons
Noise pollution would annoy people!
I don't really think this would be a problem, because minecrafters are rarely ever condensed in an area small enough for this to occur. If it does happen though, for whatever reason, I suggest Notch add a setting that toggles the volume of other player's music.
Music is just a cheap gimmick!
I don't look at Music as a gimmick, but as an extra feature, like farming or Redstone. It's just another toy for players to play around with, It won't turn Minecraft into a pimped out version of guitar hero or rockband. Actually, When i think about it, Minecraft is 100% extra features. It's all these unnecessary things to do with no clear point that makes the game so open and unique.
But, *sniff* I don't know how to play a musical instrument!
I sense that this is where most of the hostility for this suggestion is going to come from. But hey, if having zero musical experience offends some people, maybe playing a musical instrument in minecraft is a great place to start? I'm sure there will be plenty of helpful people who would love to teach tips and tricks to playing online. Think about it, free lessons! Haha.
Final Thoughts
For many others and myself, adding instruments would make this game perfect. Minecraft is all about being creative, so why not? Thanks to all the people who read everything i had to say, please send this thread around and share it with your friends so the nice programmers at Mojang Entertainment can see it. I'm very interested in hearing your thoughts on this, so please make sure to comment and leave your two cents!
I like the idea. It would be great if you could play freeform or set an instrument down and right click for an automatic song (each instrument would play its part of the same song). Different songs could play based on the material of the floor or the time of day or the season... so many possibilities!
I like the idea. It would be great if you could play freeform or set an instrument down and right click for an automatic song (each instrument would play its part of the same song). Different songs could play based on the material of the floor or the time of day or the season... so many possibilities!
I think each instrument has it's own tune it plays, and you can get with others and right click with your instruments and replay the tunes over and over in a certain order to make a song
I played with that fun little toy for a good five minutes, and boy, do i have to say what i made sounded surprisingly good. Maybe a limited music scale wouldn't be that bad, but I feel it would make the instruments feel more like toys and less like, well, instruments. Oh well, maybe that's more of a good thing than a bad thing.
Yet I can see that your main problem with this suggestion is that music won't be used due to the average player having little to no musical experience. While this may be true, I must remind you of Redstone. In singleplayer, a good handful of electrical engineers took to this update and made calculators, dungeons, and lightbright boards. These people made Redstone engineering threads discussing about the application of Redstone to enhance gameplay, and while most of the people on these threads knew what they were talking about, others and myself just watched, dumbfounded. I would argue that even if Redstone worked in the SMP servers, the average player would barely use It for anything aside from making simple doors. Honestly, I don't think Redstone was worth Notch's time, but it's the little, extra features that gives everyone a place in this game.
Plus playing music is spiritually pleasing for the soul, but I don't think that you or Notch would buy that.
Synapse, how do you feel about my magical music suggestion? Do you think giving music an actual benefit ingame would make a musical system more worth it?
How about procedurally generated music?
A few ideas.
Allow player to use paper and pencil (maybe made with charcoal + stick), to "compose" music for each of the 4 instrument (Lute music only plays on lute, flute on flute, and horn on horn, etc).
"Using" the sheet-music causes the player to play the associated instrument (if he has one).
"Using" the instrument itself causes the player to play a procedurally generate short piece with it.
I don't play an instrument but a lot of people do to some level. The best method mentioned so far would be to use external tabatures. It wouldn't be that difficult to allow a player to import music in a standand format like MusicXML. This would allow music to only be written by someone with an external program. As for the argument that it wouldn't be worth Notch's time, that is really up to Notch. As for it being difficult, that simply isn't true. The MusicXML format is there and I am sure there are standard programming API's out there for use.
The only thing I would be worried about is audio spam. This shouldn't be much of a problem because griefers tend to be lazy and the need for an external program would probably scare them away. Also, this is further solved by adding the ability for an OP to globally mute a player for audio griefing just like anything else. I personally wouldn't mind more content and since it is user created that means Notch and his team don't have to do anything beyond providing functionality.
Sadly since SMP is not even close to SSP, I would say this is a long way off but I think it should be added to the, probably now 10 lbs, todo list. Good suggestion RezDude.
PS: The signature was a good idea. That link is what led me here.
BTW, aparrently Notch used to be into music and making it. I don't know if he meant writing music but at least this might be something he would be interested in. Just thought I would bring a little cheer. I can't see myself using this system much but I am pretty sure there is a big enough fan base that will. Plus, you don't have to write anything original. Just find tabs for music you like and add it to the game.
I think it would be neat if it was a system where, once ink was implemented, you can write X notes on a sheet, and X amount of notes use X amount of ink, and maybe use a tab like system. So if I wanted to play, say, Symphony of Destruction, I could put in tabs for it on a piece of paper then put that on a stand then right click on the stand with whatever instrument and you play that song. Just a rough idea that I thought of today, so feel free to add in a suggestion.
~ I've thought about the phrase 'Money is the root of all evil' and I have to disagree. Evil isn't dependant on an object. I say that want is the root of all evil.
It would be epic to walk in to hell with my golden flute and play a song, walking through the firey depths, just watching the ghasts fall to the ground in sleep...
Minecraft is a game that has something for everyone. Artists can sculpt magnificent monuments, architects can build impenetrable fortresses, adventurers can explore dangerous dungeons, engineers have access to Redstone machinery, and leaders can create towns to unite the people. I adore this game to death, but there is one thing that it's missing that alienates a large group of people, including myself. My dear forum, Minecraft is missing the ability to play music.
There are many talented musicians who play this game, which is why I would like to present to you a brand new gameplay element in minecraft-
MusicCraft
Table of Contents
What is MusicCraft?
Playable Instruments
Expanding the Jukebox
Magical Music
Why we should add music to Minecraft
Final Thoughts
What is MusicCraft?
Instruments will be introduced that can be crafted on a crafting table. There will be two kinds of instruments, stationary and mobile. Mobile instruments can be played in your inventory, and stationary instruments must be placed on the ground before use. By right clicking with/on the instrument, the player will go into a music mode where they will be able to play a scale of notes with the 1-8 keys. The scale can be moved up or down by pressing the - or + buttons. Like the jukebox, music should travel around 75 blocks.
Playable Instruments
This section is for me to give examples of some instruments, what they look like, whether they are mobile or stationary, and their unique properties. I will not be giving a crafting template, as people will then start arguing about how the instruments should be made, and completely miss the main idea. Keep in mind these are just examples, and are not to be taken too seriously.
Instrument: Lute
Characteristics: The lute is a stringed wooden instrument that was very popular in old times. It resembles a guitar, and is considered a very diverse and balanced instrument.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The lute is a basic instrument, and has a decent range of notes.
Instrument: Horn
Characteristics: The horn is a shiny, brass instrument.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The Horn specializes in playing low notes.
Instrument: Flute
Characteristics: A flute is a woodwind instrument that is made out of either wood or metal.
Mobile or stationary: Mobile
Unique properties: The flute will specialize in playing high notes.
Instrument: Piano
Characteristics: A piano is a heavy instrument that has the longest range of keys. Pianists have the ability to play multiple notes at once, using both hands.
Mobile or stationary: Stationary
Unique properties: While sacrificing mobility, pianists are rewarded with the longest range of notes, and are given a second 8 keys so they can play with both hands.
Expanding the jukebox
A little while ago, notch added the jukebox and records. This got me excited, as a jukebox and record system sounds like a great way to record music and sell or share it with other players. Here are two possibilities on how recording music in Minecraft might work.
1. The jukebox records all sounds that is going on around it.
The way the system will work is that a player will craft a blank record and place it into the jukebox. The jukebox will then record all the sound that is going on around it for a maximum of around four minutes. The player will play his song, then hit the jukebox and take the record back. I like this system, but it seems hard to program and very computer intensive.
2. The player writes on the record, like a book or sign.
For this one, Minecraft would have to create a music writing language. The player would right click the blank record, write or copy a song onto it, and then they will be able to play it on a jukebox. It seems like it would work, and people on the forums would be able to share their music files.
Magical Music
I'm not so sure about this one, but it's interesting and worth mentioning. A long time ago, when people were still debating about the magic system, Notch had stated that he wanted the magic system to be more about enchantments and less about pew-pew magic missle. Well, music is often considered magical, which is like I'd like to suggest magical music. Essentially, whenever magic comes out, instruments can be enchanted to have magical secondary effects. Some examples would be slow health regen, luring mobs, and putting enemies to sleep. It would be cool to give enchanted items a magical durability, in which the magic wears off over time, but that's for another suggestion. Like I said, I'm not so sure about this one, and I wouldn't hate Notch if he decides not to add it in.
The affect of adding music to Minecraft
For this section, I'd like to create a pros and cons list! For the Pros I will go into more detail, and for the cons I will give suggestions on how they might be fixed.
Pros
More stuff to do!
Believe it or not, it's easy to get bored when you run out of gameplay mechanics to play around with. Like the rolling plains of Minecraft Alpha, music is infinite. With a music system added, It'll be even harder for people to get bored.
Increased value of certain items
Honestly, the crafting list in Minecraft is relatively small, and that makes it hard to place an accurate value on certain materials. Instruments like the lute and piano can raise the value of the seldom used items like string.
Added profession
Like I said in the Intro, musicians are often alienated in Minecraft because they are not allowed to do what they do best, play music. I think Musician would be a great profession for the RP servers, don't you? There's nothing better after a day of rough mining than visiting to your hometown and seeing a peaceful musician playing tunes in the park.
Breaks the monotony of rigorous gameplay
Back when i used to play Lord of the Rings Online, I used to whip out my flute in between challenging quests and play to break the monotony of running from point A to point B. After a quick 5 minutes of playing, I felt refreshed and ready to work hard again.
Promotes teamwork + strategy
Music has always been a center of teamwork in times of war and peace. In times of war, armies have used music as secret signals to move troops around the battlefield. Heck, Napoleon once used a band of trumpeters to make his army seem much larger than it was, thus scaring off the opposing side. In times of peace, we've had great bands that moved a nation. Adding music is a great way to promote teamwork and player interaction in Minecraft.
Cons
Noise pollution would annoy people!
I don't really think this would be a problem, because minecrafters are rarely ever condensed in an area small enough for this to occur. If it does happen though, for whatever reason, I suggest Notch add a setting that toggles the volume of other player's music.
Music is just a cheap gimmick!
I don't look at Music as a gimmick, but as an extra feature, like farming or Redstone. It's just another toy for players to play around with, It won't turn Minecraft into a pimped out version of guitar hero or rockband. Actually, When i think about it, Minecraft is 100% extra features. It's all these unnecessary things to do with no clear point that makes the game so open and unique.
But, *sniff* I don't know how to play a musical instrument!
I sense that this is where most of the hostility for this suggestion is going to come from. But hey, if having zero musical experience offends some people, maybe playing a musical instrument in minecraft is a great place to start? I'm sure there will be plenty of helpful people who would love to teach tips and tricks to playing online. Think about it, free lessons! Haha.
Final Thoughts
For many others and myself, adding instruments would make this game perfect. Minecraft is all about being creative, so why not? Thanks to all the people who read everything i had to say, please send this thread around and share it with your friends so the nice programmers at Mojang Entertainment can see it. I'm very interested in hearing your thoughts on this, so please make sure to comment and leave your two cents!
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
That WOULD be cool!
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
"Selling megaman records for 1 Diamond!"
I played with that fun little toy for a good five minutes, and boy, do i have to say what i made sounded surprisingly good. Maybe a limited music scale wouldn't be that bad, but I feel it would make the instruments feel more like toys and less like, well, instruments. Oh well, maybe that's more of a good thing than a bad thing.
Yet I can see that your main problem with this suggestion is that music won't be used due to the average player having little to no musical experience. While this may be true, I must remind you of Redstone. In singleplayer, a good handful of electrical engineers took to this update and made calculators, dungeons, and lightbright boards. These people made Redstone engineering threads discussing about the application of Redstone to enhance gameplay, and while most of the people on these threads knew what they were talking about, others and myself just watched, dumbfounded. I would argue that even if Redstone worked in the SMP servers, the average player would barely use It for anything aside from making simple doors. Honestly, I don't think Redstone was worth Notch's time, but it's the little, extra features that gives everyone a place in this game.
Plus playing music is spiritually pleasing for the soul, but I don't think that you or Notch would buy that.
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
Horn scares spiders.
Flute scares skeletons.
Piano scares creepers.
A few ideas.
Allow player to use paper and pencil (maybe made with charcoal + stick), to "compose" music for each of the 4 instrument (Lute music only plays on lute, flute on flute, and horn on horn, etc).
"Using" the sheet-music causes the player to play the associated instrument (if he has one).
"Using" the instrument itself causes the player to play a procedurally generate short piece with it.
The only thing I would be worried about is audio spam. This shouldn't be much of a problem because griefers tend to be lazy and the need for an external program would probably scare them away. Also, this is further solved by adding the ability for an OP to globally mute a player for audio griefing just like anything else. I personally wouldn't mind more content and since it is user created that means Notch and his team don't have to do anything beyond providing functionality.
Sadly since SMP is not even close to SSP, I would say this is a long way off but I think it should be added to the, probably now 10 lbs, todo list. Good suggestion RezDude.
PS: The signature was a good idea. That link is what led me here.
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51308
Here is a link to where I got this info.
It would be epic to walk in to hell with my golden flute and play a song, walking through the firey depths, just watching the ghasts fall to the ground in sleep...