Manor Lords, a hit strategy game, required an authentic medieval soundtrack, prompting composers Elben Schutte and Daniel Caleb to create music reminiscent of the Middle Ages despite having no prior experience with the era. This challenge led them to explore various aspects of medieval music, including the lack of modern time signatures and the use of period-appropriate instruments such as the lute, vielle, and hurdy-gurdy. The duo aimed to capture the magic of medieval music through improvisation and authentic performances.
The Manor Lords soundtrack reflects the two major aspects of the game—city building and battle. The composers crafted distinct audio cues for each scenario, ensuring players could differentiate between peaceful village life and chaotic warfare. Additionally, the music serves as a warning system, alerting players to critical events like low loyalty levels or imminent battles. Despite the need for tension-building music, the soundtrack must remain engaging without distracting players from gameplay.
Collaboration between the developers and composers was crucial to ensuring the music seamlessly integrated into the game. Early access to game footage allowed the composers to tailor the soundtrack to the game’s evolving mechanics and atmosphere. This synergy highlights the importance of music in enhancing the gaming experience beyond mere background noise. The Manor Lords soundtrack transcends its role in the game, with a dedicated release on major streaming platforms and gaming stores.
Drawing inspiration from the success of movie soundtracks, such as the Grammy-winning Civilization VI score, Schutte and Caleb sought to create a soundtrack that resonated with a broader audience beyond gamers. The decision to use traditional medieval songs for authenticity was a nod to the growing community of enthusiasts fascinated by the medieval world. The composers aimed to offer listeners a fresh perspective on medieval music, contributing to the cultural appreciation of this historical period through their work on Manor Lords.
The Manor Lords soundtrack, with titles like “Humble Beginnings” and “Blood and Banner,” captures the essence of the game’s medieval setting, elevating the player’s immersion in the virtual world. By balancing traditional elements of medieval music with modern sensibilities, Schutte and Caleb achieved a unique sound that resonates with audiences seeking an authentic experience. The soundtrack’s availability on various platforms enables a wider audience to enjoy the music independent of the game, showcasing the timeless appeal of medieval melodies.
Through their exploration of medieval music, Schutte and Caleb have crafted a soundtrack that transports listeners to a bygone era, evoking the spirit of the Middle Ages in Manor Lords. The composers’ dedication to authenticity and their innovative approach to composing music for a video game have garnered praise from the gaming community and music enthusiasts alike. As Manor Lords continues to captivate players with its immersive gameplay experience, the timeless melodies of the soundtrack serve as a testament to the power of music in shaping our perception of history and culture.
