Development Log #15 - Synths, Soul & Sizzle 🎷🎹
Hello there, Emperors! 👋
Today we’re diving into something that might not be in your recipe book, but it’s just as important - the music. That steady groove you hear while flipping patties or slicing tomatoes? It’s part of the Food Truck Empire.
[h2]Let's start from the beginning[/h2]
Our composer, Marcin, grew up playing tycoon games like Transport Tycoon Deluxe and Theme Hospital - games where the music was as iconic as the gameplay. Back in the day, those games pulled inspiration from jazz, funk, blues, soul, and R&B. But here’s the twist…
The technology was limited. So instead of fully recorded tracks, you got MIDI compositions interpreted by your sound card - making every track a little bit funky, a little bit synthetic, and completely unforgettable.
That’s the flavor we’re channeling in Food Truck Empire.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
From plasticky pianos and too-shiny brass to synthetic bass guitars and stiff drum kits - our goal was to recreate the slightly “off” but totally charming sound of that era. Marcin was using FM synthesis, old ROMplers, and quirky sound fonts to bring that retro-futuristic vibe to life.
The result? A soundtrack that feels like it could live inside a '90s sound card… But somehow still grooves perfectly with a modern-day food truck empire.
[h2]Cooking in rhythm[/h2]
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth mixing and instant hits. The first version of the soundtrack was written before we even had a playable build. And once we started testing the game, we realized… It was a bit too catchy. With so much going on in the music, it was hard to focus on outfitting your truck or planning the perfect menu.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
So, Marcin went back to the kitchen. He softened the sharp edges, reworked arrangements, and toned down the energy - while keeping that signature flavor intact. A lot of the tracks changed completely. And even though the instruments were “simple”, mixing them turned out to be a complex process.
Bringing together dozens of different sources - each with their own quirks - meant hours spent adjusting reverb, cleaning up harsh frequencies, and finding just the right balance so nothing felt out of place.
[h2]Meaning of sounds[/h2]
But most importantly, music in FTE is a part of the game’s identity. As Marcin says, “it’s not just about matching the aesthetic - it’s about adding something new, something memorable, something that makes the world of the game feel just a bit more alive”.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Now here’s a question for you - what kind of music would you love to hear in the game? Maybe a street jazz band for one of the cities? Some lo-fi beats for late-night cooking shifts? Or how about a synthwave twist for a neon-lit food truck dream? Let us know - the kitchen (and studio) is always open.
Food never sounded so good. 🎧
Stay tasty, Emperors!
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https://store.steampowered.com/app/1872970/Food_Truck_Empire/
