Because music is much deeper than just rhythm
The short answer: because I feel that video games, in general, have stopped exploring mechanics centered around music. Most music games today are just rhythm games. I have nothing against them, but for me, music holds many interesting aspects worth exploring. I’d like to dedicate my life to uncovering the different elements that fascinate me. In this case, Selve focuses on melody—seeking answers to questions like: What makes a melody sound good? How can I make what I play sound pleasing? How can I express different emotions or ideas through a melody?
But where does this curiosity come from? Mainly, from a deep desire to understand the world of musical creation and to bring that world closer to others. This is the core principle behind this game—and, hopefully, the ones I will continue to develop in the future. At least when it comes to gameplay mechanics.
I can't end this post without mentioning the two games that have influenced me the most. Their influence might not be immediately obvious in Selve, but they are undeniably a big reason why I'm now making music-focused games: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (with the bongo controllers!).
- Ocarina of Time was such a creative and inspiring adventure for me. I played it when I was around 17—not exactly a little kid—but I was deeply into music at the time, learning guitar and getting into music theory. That Zelda game arrived at just the right moment in my life.
- When I played Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, it was another eye-opening moment. It made me realize that game controls didn’t have to be just a joystick—the type of control you use shapes the experience itself. That game offered a far more physical experience, and the battles were genuinely intense in a bodily, energetic way.
These influences have stayed with me throughout my life. I think I even studied Electronic Engineering just so I could learn how to make controls like the ones in Donkey Kong. And while I haven't yet created something quite as intense, I like to think I’ve been exploring how a music game can be controlled. Selve can be played with a keyboard, a joystick, a MIDI controller, a microphone with a real instrument or your voice—and I’ve even tested it with a dance mat (great workout, by the way! haha).
Thanks to everyone who read this far—I know it was a lot of information, but I wanted to share it here, in what I hope will be my first major game.
The next post will be about the narrative and the emotional core I hope Selve can express.
Cheers!
Nico Frois