World of Tanks Halloween Event - Interview with Akira Yamaoka
Feature
Halloween is upon us and we sit down with composer Akira Yamaoka
World of Tanks - Halloween event
Between October 26 and November 9, World of Tanks will be conducting its biggest Halloween event in its 10-year history. Collaborating with Masahiro Ito, the Art Director and Monster Designer behind the Silent Hill universe and Akira Yamaoka the star Composer behind the same nightmarish series – this event will expose players to the sinister story of a scientific experiment gone wrong.
In an all new PVE co-op event, players must join together to save the world and uncover the lore behind the town of Mirny-13. Players will be taken through four changing worlds in Platoons of five, unlocking the story of Mirny-13 as they go.
Throughout the event, tankers will be able to get their hands on 3D skins designed by Masahiro Ito himself, whilst enjoying a haunting ambient track for the event hangar created by Akira Yamaoka. We at Hooked Gamers were lucky enough to sit down with Akira Yamaoka to discuss the collaboration.
Hooked Gamers: You have teamed up with the Wargaming team (World of Tanks) to create a score for their Halloween update. For our readers, can you let us know your involvement in the project?
Akira Yamaoka: I am collaborating with the World of Tanks team to produce music again. This time we have introduced a new method of creating sound files for the music.
Hooked Gamers: You have worked previously with Wargaming on a World of Tanks "Battle in Japan" project. How did the experience on that occasion prepare you for this latest project?
Akira Yamaoka:It was a very exciting experience. Having worked with the team once before, I have a better understanding about the objectives and vision of the team.
Hooked Gamers: How much freedom do you have in composing the score/tracks?
Akira Yamaoka: I have a lot of creative freedom, however there is just enough direction provided to ensure the atmosphere does not become too scary and lose its core feeling as a World of Tanks game.
Hooked Gamers: What musical influences/inspirations did you use in creating the World of Tanks Halloween track?
Akira Yamaoka: I was initially inspired by the image board put together for Halloween mode, this gave me a lot of visual direction regarding the feel. The sound team also provided material which gave me a lot of inspiration
Hooked Gamers: Do you get the chance to play many games yourself? Do you have a favourite (World of Tanks, perhaps)?
Akira Yamaoka: I enjoy having time to play games - World of Tanks is definitely a favourite and I am also currently enjoying Ghost of Tsushima.
Hooked Gamers: You have composed for video games and for film...is there much difference in the process for each?
Akira Yamaoka: People often wonder this, but there is very little difference. The main discrepancy is the amount of music required; game titles usually require many more tracks and therefore more time and energy is invested compared to film.
Hooked Gamers: And lastly, how do you normally spend Halloween?
Akira Yamaoka: I like to dress up for Halloween and eat plenty of cake!
Hooked Gamers: Thank you for agreeing to chat with us. It has been a pleasure.
World of Tanks is a Free-to-Play MMO game of armoured warfare from Wargaming.net where players control one of 550 variations of tanks. The Halloween event runs from October 26th to November 9th and is a great opportunity for new members to join in fun of the PvE event. To join the battle, visit World of Tanks.
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