BIMM University graduate Amadeus Herrera on composing for video games

BIMM University graduate Amadeus Herrera studied with us in Manchester. Now living in Porto, he’s etched out a career as a video game composer creating immersive soundscapes for indie games and using networking and social media as powerful tools to break into the industry.

Currently working as a freelancer, Amadeus worked on the Lucid demo, which is set to release next year.

In this interview, Amadeus shares insights into his journey, the challenges of freelancing, and advice for aspiring composers in the gaming world.

What drew you to video game music composition, and how did you break into the industry after leaving university?

It was actually BIMM University that led me to game music. I initially started as a music producer, recording artists and working on mixing and mastering. In 2020, during the lockdown, BIMM hosted several online events, and one of them was about video game audio. Something clicked for me because I’ve always loved video games and their music. During that talk, I thought, I should be doing this. That’s when I decided to pursue it.

For students aspiring to compose for games, what are the best first steps in building a portfolio and getting their name out there?

One key strategy is to treat university projects as portfolio pieces. By the time I graduated, I already had three or four strong examples to showcase. Game jams are another great way to build experience and connections. There are Game Jams happening all the time, both in person and online, and they offer a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with developers, build a network, and hone your skills all-year-round.

A lot of our students are introverted and prefer working solo. Do you have advice for networking without being too social?

There are plenty of online options. Discord and itch.io have strong communities where you can connect with developers. Reddit is also great for game development discussions.

You mentioned social media as a tool for exposure. Which platforms have worked best for you?

I started on TikTok, then moved to Instagram, and I also post on YouTube. Social media helps because it increases your visibility, allows you to showcase your work, and makes pitching to developers easier. Sharing behind-the-scenes content also helps them get to know you and your approach to composing.

If a student wants to get noticed by game developers, what should they focus on?

A mix of game jams, portfolio projects, and personal work. Personal projects help build skills, while game jams connect you with developers. When I was at BIMM University, I took an online course on making a game in seven days—it gave me a deeper understanding of the development process, which is really valuable for composers.

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What role does music play in shaping the gaming experience?

Music is crucial when it comes to immersion. When it’s done well, players might not even notice it—but if something is off, they’ll notice immediately. It’s like an invisible entity that enhances emotion and engagement. The key to making it work IS getting feedback from developers and refining the music until it fits perfectly.

Do you get to play the games before composing, or do you work from briefs?

It depends on the project. Sometimes I get a brief with just text descriptions, other times I receive screenshots or screen recordings. Some developers have a clear vision, while others rely on me to help shape the musical direction. Occasionally, I get to play a demo, but it varies from game to game.

How do adaptive music systems work in games?

There are two main approaches: horizontal and vertical layering. Horizontal layering involves transitioning between different sections of a track based on gameplay events. Vertical layering, on the other hand, adds or removes instruments dynamically to match the intensity of the scene—like increasing orchestration for a boss battle or introducing new layers when a player unlocks an ability.

Do you feel you have creative freedom when working with game developers?

So far, yes. Even when I receive detailed briefs, they usually set the framework while giving me freedom to create within it. That said, I’m sure I’ll encounter stricter guidelines in the future.

What’s the biggest challenge of being a video game composer?

Networking and securing consistent work. The industry is competitive, so building relationships and staying visible is crucial. You have to put yourself out there and meet new developers.

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?

Probably the Lucid demo. It started as a social media contest, and after submitting my music, I ended up contributing more to the project. It’s set to release next year, and I had a great time working on it.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier?

Back up your data! Always have at least three copies—one on your computer, one on an external drive, and one in the cloud. I learned that lesson the hard way.

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