GDC Summer 2020 to host "A Bloody Symphony of Characters: Music and Leitmotiv in Mortal Kombat 11" panel

GDC Summer 2020 is taking place virtually Aug. 4th to 6th, 2020, and it's going to include a special panel about Mortal Kombat 11. The panel, called "A Bloody Symphony of Characters: Music and Leitmotiv in 'Mortal Kombat 11'" will take a look at how the game's music helps build up the characters and story overall. Check out a full synopsis the panel below.

Wilbert Roget (Composer & Music Supervisor, Independent)
Topic: Audio
Format: Session

The cornerstone of every fighting game is its character roster, and Mortal Kombat 11 is no exception given its place as the conclusion to a three-game story arc spanning three realms and two time periods. In this latest installment of the franchise, however, specific attention was given to make sure characters were dynamic, relatable, and defined through complex relationships. This session demonstrates how the musical score supports these characters and their development throughout the story via the use of leitmotiv, a form of melody that eschews complex, lyrical phrases in favor of simple motivic statements and unique, identifiable signature sounds.

Takeaway

Attendees learn the difference between leitmotivic and thematic melody, gain insights on how to write and develop character themes, and see the contextual advantages of diverse leitmotivs and signature sounds over thematic orchestral melodies when scoring for cinematic games.

Intended Audience

Ideal attendees include game composers, audio directors, cinematics directors, and music supervisors of any experience level. No prerequisite technical knowledge is needed, though some topics will make broad reference to basic music theory concepts and instrumentation.