Development Log #15 - Synths, Soul & Sizzle 🎷🎹

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!



[h2]💜 Join our Official Discord! 💜[/h2]



[h3]Follow us on Social Media:[/h3]

▪️ Threads
▪️ Twitter
▪️ Facebook
▪️ Youtube
▪️ TikTok

[h2]🍔 Wishlist Food Truck Empire now!🍔[/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1872970/Food_Truck_Empire/