Hello everyone, I’m Aleksander, the composer for DECK OF HAUNTS.
I wanted to share with you all the creative process behind the game’s music. From the moment I was made aware of this project, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Deck of Haunts is a wonderfully novel execution on familiar elements, and I wished to exemplify that in the soundtrack.
Horror has always been my favorite genre to write for, and this title is no exception. I chose to lean into more conventional instrumentation to complement the premise and art direction.
The Gothic and Victorian imagery lend themselves to a more “classic” and “antique” flavor of horror, so bowed strings and piano felt the most appropriate. These instruments are also incredibly expressive, being able to weep and wail in sadness or in pain, but also howl and bellow like a demonic beast. There is no corner of the genre that they can't reach.
With the main theme, it was important to pull from the game thematically as a whole.
The song begins with strong double bass bowing, reminiscent of a shambling creature dragging itself through the halls of a haunted mansion as it stalks its would-be victims.
The string leads are both nuanced and foreboding, in the same way that the house is both alluring yet threatening. From there, we move into a soundscape that paints a picture of places better left undiscovered - recognizable noises are bookended by ones that are not of this world.
Finally, we close with ominous chants and searing violins, like the House revealing the true breadth of its power to ensnare those who would dare enter it. The song, much like Deck of Haunts itself, plays out in distinct acts.
Speaking of acts, nailing the vibe and mood of each phase of the game came with different approaches. For the prep phase, I aimed for something ambient yet sinister. Since the player is encouraged to take their time planning, the track was written to have a very even level of energy, giving a sense of “time standing still”.
However, I wanted to avoid the music feeling too serene and calming. In this game, you ARE the House, the threat of the story.
Rather than a moment of respite, this phase should allow the player to feel empowered as a scheming villain with an entire mansion of horrors at their command.
Moving into the next phase of the game, the dark ambience gives way to musicality. The dull, low percussion establishes a sense of pace as you play your cards and the intruders make their way from room to room. The piano motifs convey a sense of unease, never settling on a perfect note, like there is something always just out of sight or out of reach. The cello swings in a near-arrhythmic manner, as if it's attempting to lure someone with the illusion of safety. The viola comes in to respond to the cello’s calls, playing in an almost flowery manner, like a wicked wind disturbing old books and curtains through an open window.
All of this is in service to creating a sense of things happening that the House’s prey can’t fully see, know, or understand as they unwittingly march to their demise.
As the game plays out, things escalate both mechanically and musically. Staccato strings and drumming punctuate each beat, like the ticking of a timer or a monster giving chase.
The root progression played on bass descends as the situation becomes more dire. The cello and viola melodies now move around each other in a deadly dance with finality.
The tone of the piece is one of urgency - the music warns of impending failure if the player doesn’t make adjustments and act decisively.
All of this is done to elevate the rich atmosphere of the Deck of Haunts’ art direction. The experience of playing as the House will have you take delight in being wicked and methodical, and the music works to mirror that - an original take on tried-and-true components.
I hope you all enjoy playing this game as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life, and I hope the soundtrack enriches your time with it. See you in the shadows!
Feel free to wishlist Deck of Haunts, it helps us out a lot!