10 replies to this topic

[Jfrost]

Topic: Custom Playlists - your favorite music integrated into MWO!

Expectations:

A worthwhile enhancement, like adding pesto to an already delicious MechWarrior meal.

Description:

Players have suggested incorporating different forms of custom music playlists, such as controlling Pandora or I-Tunes library from in-game. I'm suggesting an alternative for your (the Devs and the Online Community's) consideration.

Several titles in the Grand Theft Auto series (for example, San Andreas) had the ability to allow the users to play their own personal music on a “User Track Playlist” radio station in game while operating vehicles. This was achieved by adding shortcuts to *.MP3 and *.WAV files in the “User Tracks” folder located under My Documents. After the shortcuts are added, the user would run a “Scan” for the music from within the Game, and the music could then be accessed by selecting the appropriate radio station while playing.

Execution:

There has been mention of a “free look” mode, where the pilot can retrieve secondary and tertiary information by looking around their cockpit and referencing the relative screens. I suggest that a screen can be added to show current track information, such as the song name and duration. The user would use hotkeys to change to the next track, or previous track – in order to select the appropriate battle theme.

Advanced functions could allow for the creation of playlists by dividing the shortcuts into different folders, then a user would have the choice of searching all music or simply choosing a playlist to set the mood.

I feel this would really add to the immersion factor of the game, since I would assume most mercenaries/pilots would insist on having some sort of music player in their rig. Lets face it, everyone wants their own entrance music (set me up with George Thorogood and The Destroyers - “Bad to the Bone”) Also, one would be hard pressed to find a player who wouldn't enjoy the ability to play the music of their choice while simultaneously blowing their opponents to bits.

Logistics:

• An interface for the user to interact with
  
  • The user can use 3 high-level hotkeys
    
    • Next Playlist
      
    • Previous Playlist
      
    • All songs (compiles all playlists)
  • The user can use 3 hotkeys to navigate a playlist
    
    • Next Song
      
    • Previous Song
      
    • Toggle Shuffle
• Compiling playlists
  
  • Somewhere in the options, a user can click “Scan for Audio Media”
    
    • The program will compile playlists from shortcuts to *.MP3 and *.WAV files, divided by sub-folders located in the “Custom Music” folder.
      
    • The “Custom Music” folder will be located in *\My Documents\MechWarrior Online
      
      • Example: within *\My Documents\MechWarrior Online\Custom Music\Playlist 1
        
      • All the valid shortcuts located in this folder will be compiled into “Playlist 1” when the user scans for media
        
      • Only *.MP3 or *.WAV files are considered valid
        
      • All valid file shortcuts will also be compiled into an “All Songs” playlist that the user can select via hotkeys

• Users create shortcuts to the valid audio files, and copy them into the “Custom Music” folder
  
  • Shortcuts are used to save the users space and time when referencing a large number of music files.

I just wanted to get a base idea out there, we could add a lot of functionality (such as looping playlists, shuffle, repeat once; ie: several functions one would expect from a contemporary MP3 player).


That's all I can think of for now, please comment and I'll be sure to update this post with any additions you (the community) may have.

Additions:

1. If voice communication is handled in-game at a later date, consider adding a feature that will pause/auto mute the music while voice communication is incoming (another person is speaking) or outgoing (the user is speaking).

Concerns:

1. Users express concerns about the additional strain on the system when playing music through the game client, consider a toggle in the options screen to disable this feature.

Edited by Jfrost, 30 June 2012 - 08:03 PM.

[Starace]

Being totally unaffiliated with the OP, I support this idea 100%.

[Arrakis]

On top of a well put together post, this is an awesome idea.
I hope it gains some traction.
I agree, I feel like it would enhance the immersion that lots of players feel is the a strong feature of MWO. Instead of having to alt-tab out of the game to change up your playlist, you can stay in the action.
I don't know how many will agree that a in-mech radio would have been a priority in designing these hulking warmachines, but it's feasible. I mean, it's just a stereo. The reality of mechs is fiction in the first place, allowing them to have a stereo could only add to the experience.

[Jfrost]

Arrakis, on 30 June 2012 - 02:19 PM, said:

On top of a well put together post, this is an awesome idea.
I hope it gains some traction.
I agree, I feel like it would enhance the immersion that lots of players feel is the a strong feature of MWO. Instead of having to alt-tab out of the game to change up your playlist, you can stay in the action.
I don't know how many will agree that a in-mech radio would have been a priority in designing these hulking warmachines, but it's feasible. I mean, it's just a stereo. The reality of mechs is fiction in the first place, allowing them to have a stereo could only add to the experience.

Thank you for the reply Arrakis,

From my limited experience with helicopters, I can say that music, in addition to noise-canceling headphones, really drowns out the hum of the motor and rotating blades. I can only assume that being inside a Mech would be much worse (the constant pounding as each step levels the ground beneath you, the strain of the engine trying to keep the metal giants in motion). In battle, it may not be practical to be playing music - but what about the down time? Moving to a position, or just general out-of-combat activities. The pilots are soldiers, and if Metal Gear Solid 4 taught me anything, its that the mental psyche of a solider is taxed during times of war - and music can be a simple form of relaxation.

Sure I'll admit, I'm probably reading way too much into this - however one cannot argue against the practicality of adding some sort of music player to these machines. Also, I think it would just be a really cool feature.

[Starace]

One important feature that might also be required is the automatic shutdown of music when any communication starts coming through via teammates. This way you would be sure not to miss any important verbal orders or key information/planning.

[Astaroth]

Starace, on 30 June 2012 - 02:41 PM, said:

One important feature that might also be required is the automatic shutdown of music when any communication starts coming through via teammates. This way you would be sure not to miss any important verbal orders or key information/planning.

Comms won't be handled in MWO. If you want to have voice communication with your company it will have to be through a third-party program. So while that's a great idea, it wouldn't be possible in MWO.

[Jfrost]

Astaroth, on 30 June 2012 - 02:46 PM, said:

Comms won't be handled in MWO. If you want to have voice communication with your company it will have to be through a third-party program. So while that's a great idea, it wouldn't be possible in MWO.

Starace, on 30 June 2012 - 02:41 PM, said:

One important feature that might also be required is the automatic shutdown of music when any communication starts coming through via teammates. This way you would be sure not to miss any important verbal orders or key information/planning.

I'll just add a bullet point "if voice communication is handled in-game at a later date, please consider this feature"

[Woobat]

Yes, indeed.

[Lightdragon]

speaking from experience in eve online and their personal jukebox player... i disagree with this idea... far less lag is produced ingame using your own player outside the client

[Jfrost]

Lightdragon, on 30 June 2012 - 07:16 PM, said:

speaking from experience in eve online and their personal jukebox player... i disagree with this idea... far less lag is produced ingame using your own player outside the client

That sounds like an issue with how efficient the code was for the Eve online client, although your concern is noted. Of course, one could simply just not use the music feature if their system shows signs of stutter. Running an additional process like this shouldn't be that stressful on a system if properly implemented (clean and efficient programing).

[Lightdragon]

dont know if it was the code but the more songs you added the more strain it put on the game