Manor Lords - Creating the Soundtrack

Thank you Elben, Dan, Enrique, Fuzzy, Peter and everyone involved in creating the musical soundscape of Manor Lords! It was such an honor to visit Air and meet with the composers, musicians and film this short 'making of'.
Before you ask, we are definitely planning on releasing the OST for the game separately, I think we made something special here. And as usual thank you all for watching, following and your kind support!

[@Sehradner]

The first few seconds already makes me so excited for that game.

[@TySoVm]

Demo was dope.

[@Khrad9]

As a musician and mixing/mastering engineer with an interest in game sound design I'm absolutely blown away with the fact that you used live recordings instead of software emulations. Most titles this size I know of make do with software instruments when it comes to orchestral music (no hard feelings, some software emulations can sound very alive). Keep up the good work, I've been waiting to buy this game for years now

[@ManorLords]

Exactly! Thank you. So happy to hear it being appreciated since before I found our guys I looked through dozens and dozens of demos which were just you know, a bunch of VSTs. Nothing against it but it all sounds the same, I think you really need that live spark to keep the textures rich and interesting.

[@thefloatingbread]

@@ManorLordsnice bro

[@CockyAmoeba]

@ManorLords congrats Ben long road and hard journey achieving this. Well deserved Boet. To more triumphs and accomplishments mate 🤘

[@Frater1337]

@@ManorLords Hearing Media Vita in the theme while playing the game really showed the love and work invested into this game. Bravo good sir!

[@tumeden]

This game will become one of the greats. You will see.

[@Bobbusinessgaming]

Don't get so hyped you might come to regret it

[@cryptotrippin]

having played the Alpha since July 2022, it's come a long way and already very good

[@unhommequicourt]

It s gonna be good but it will not be more popular than banished, the scope of the game is quite tiny

[@Bobbusinessgaming]

@@unhommequicourt you clearly don't know what you're talking about. The game already has WAYYYYY more traction than banished.

[@rc2k524]

@@unhommequicourtblud you crazy? this game is already wayyy far than banished in all aspects

[@ENTERTAINtheDUDE]

If i could pay an AAA price for this game I would dearly offer my coffers

[@steelgoodwin]

I mean...ML 2 might come up at 3xA price tag. 😂

[@mikkolukas]

You can Just go buy the game. Then donate there rest to the game too.

[@aithemed]

Or buy multiple copies a giveaway for friends and family and you’re on it can give me one key please !

[@ENTERTAINtheDUDE]

@@aithemed lol if i were not a poor peasant I would gift you all with such delights. Alas I am a simple farmer with dreams of soldiering...

[@GameOverManGameOver]

I hope they do a ultimate edition with like extra skins+2 days early access for 120 euro. Seems like a fair price!

[@latveria3817]

Soundtrack plays huge role in game for me.

[@Clone582]

You have no idea how important music is. It made the gaming experience so much better

[@Delusion_9691]

This is not gonna be a game you will play, but a game you will experience

[@RafaelW8]

7:35 what a beautiful piece. Made me tear up.

[@ryangarcia7658]

It reverberates within my soul Cradling me as it uplifts my emotions A truly magical piece

[@JayTraversJT]

This games development cycle has honestly been kinda awe-inspiring. Wishlisted and can't wait.

[@GhostNinjaPL]

One Guy from Poland is just making game that he want to play, this is exactly what passion is. This is how you make real games. Like those in old times. Gratuluję zapłacę każdą kwotę by cię wspierać w tym wspaniałym projekcie, potrzebujemy takich deweloperów. Najlepsze jest to że robisz grę o jakiej marzyłem od dzieciaka a nikt jej nie dostarczył, połączenie RTS'a z ciekawą ekonomią ORAZ walkami. Zawsze to jest albo 1 albo 2. Pozdrawiam

[@Strat-Guides]

Definitely getting some Kingdom Come Deliverance vibes here. I've used the KCD soundtrack in many of my videos because it was so good and I bet the OST for Manor Lords will be just as good!

[@Ingwe01]

Gregorian chant is the precursor to all of what we may call modern music today and in my opinion is still the most beautiful thing which one can listen to. I'm so glad they are including it in this game!

[@juffrouwjo]

The best compliment for the music is that after spending SO many hours in this game I still haven't turned the music off, I still love hearing it, it's wonderful.

[@axelxan]

The game isn't out yet, lol.

[@gryphon0468]

@@axelxanthe demo was available for a while.

[@juffrouwjo]

I know... @@axelxan

[@juffrouwjo]

And then there's the testers... @@gryphon0468

[@DiceKnight]

@@axelxan There's a 130 alpha testers who are under NDA, but many of us got to play the demo two years ago.

[@ocbwhyte1871]

Wishlisted this almost as soon as it was announced, loved the building demo👍 I absolutely cannot wait to get medieval

[@gwohlers]

Soundtrack is absolutely on the top of the list for why I'm buying this game as soon as it comes out. Not only does it look like a ton of fun, but it sounds absolutely amazing. Thank you for this video!

[@aaroncousins4750]

Why would you buy a game for its music? You can play any game you like with your favourite music?

[@gwohlers]

Because the music of this game fits so well and adds significantly to the aesthetic while playing, or at least it did during the demo. Very excited to see how it sounds during battles and deeper into the game. @@aaroncousins4750

[@Lou-Tenant]

@@aaroncousins4750 And where does the music come from? You have do buy it, don't you?

[@jakajakos]

The music is stunning

[@terrainbeast9154]

Ever since playing Stronghold as a kid, I have been dreaming of a game like this to be made. Thank you so much for making that dream come true.

[@lousashrex]

Yes!! I still go back to crusader every now and then.

[@ISawABear]

god i am so hyped for this. Love me some Strings

[@joshgambrell4095]

Hey! I know you! Love your vids man. Will you cover this game?

[@connerfondo2020]

The fact that this game orchestrated its own music deserves for it to be in the running for game of the year.

[@steemlenn8797]

How do you think most games (of any financial size) get their music? Delivered from God by angels?

[@1992zorro]

This one js

[@Venn26]

From VST's actually haha @@steemlenn8797

[@connerfondo2020]

@@steemlenn8797 Well A lot of developers and smaller studios like Hooded Horse will sample and produce their music from other sources. Its really only some major studios that bring together an orchestra to make their soundtracks

[@prettyboyg1278]

Chill bro. Regardless of the amazing ost that Manor Lords will most certainly have, most games do that lol

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

This is giving me big Elder Scrolls, Kingdom come deliverance and the Witcher vibes

[@Rackel992]

Was thinking the same, similar style which is good

[@LaughingMan44]

This giving me big Medieval Europe vibes. You got your references backwards.

[@Halo_Legend]

Throw in some more big names you know about.

[@crimsonhawk52]

Actually sounded a LOT like Halo CE to me

[@LaughingMan44]

@@TihetrisWeathersby two of them are fantasy games. You're the type of person to see a castle in real life and go "this is just like muh video games!!!"

[@theelderscrolls6vi]

Huge congratulations on using a live orchestra instead of samples. I have nothing against vst libraries, it's just nice to see live orchestra doing their work on a small budget game as this. Compliments to every member of the orchestra and the composer.

[@foxhound_YT]

Everyone involved should be super proud, it’s a phenomenal soundtrack that makes modern cinema and filmmaking blush! 👌🏼

[@rasembers1831]

holy shit im stunned actually that this amount of effort was put in to this im so excited for this game to release

[@deadxdawndayz]

100 hours playing this game so far, and the music is perfect. Gets stuck in your head in such a good way. Bravo!

[@geraltofrivia4890]

This just adds to the already complete nerd out aspects that I instantly fell in love with. You guys are making a masterpiece over there!

[@milothemarauder]

It's amazing how this game was the passion of one dude and to this now, I sincerely hope this rivals CA's dominance on the real time battles in historical settings.

[@DoctorStrange01]

what is "CA" ?

[@milothemarauder]

@@DoctorStrange01 Creative Assembly, the team behind the Total War series. They are owned by Sega now.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

I love the creation process for these game soundtracks, These songs are specifically made

[@patrickdunn4051]

Wanted to congratulate you and your team on a truly awe-some soundtrack. The composition invokes a ton of emotion and I find myself playing more because of my excitement to hear the music. Good music in games is rare....and this is great, truly.

[@TheJudge_Carls_Junior_Rep]

This game has come a long way I’m so happy it’s gotten to this point

[@Darkrunn]

There's so much passion evident in the music. Almost brings a tear to my eye.

[@ЯворХаризанов]

A mug of the finest Frankonian ale for you, Artists, Musicians and of course, Slavic Magic himself! You've performed miracles, in the likes of the Almighty! Keep up the good work, guys! We are with you!

[@John-vf6jr]

I have never, in 20 years of gaming, even considered buying the soundtrack. Now I will. This music has a deep cultural pull for me.

[@Budder99]

It's incredible how far this project has come! A true passion project

[@SaintSullys]

Proud of the single dev that started this all

[@Gimli017]

The music is absolutely beautiful. If the game play is even 1/10 the quality of the music, this will be an instant classic of a game. I cannot wait to play it!

[@willorgama]

Deus Vult !

[@benwood7475]

It’s like this game was made special for me ❤. I love this kind of music and use to perform in choirs. And I’ve always been a city builder/rts fan. This game is perfect.

[@mikejacobson2510]

Honestly, this game is more a work of art than a product. I can't recall a game this exquisite in every aspect.

[@BramGaunt]

I say it again and again. Soundtracks have always been a very important factor in games for me. If it's not right, the game drops very quickly for me. No matter how great the game's features are. Especially with games like Manor Lords. They have to be immersive. And how important it is to record a soundtrack with real instruments and an orchestra cannot be emphasised enough. Thank you Slavic Magic. I wish you all the best.

[@FlxKomp]

I mean you could just listen to a youtube medieval playlist

[@BramGaunt]

Then you don't understand what I mean, especially in connection with a game. My English is just not quite good enough to explain it.@@FlxKomp

[@FlxKomp]

@@BramGaunt you want good music, and this you can find on spotify, youtube etc.

[@Kuzyn]

@@FlxKompSoundtrack needs to represent what is going on during the game, it needs to blend nicely, fade out when its needed and kick in harded when action is getting stronger. You cant reproduce that by just simply listening to some playlist.

[@FlxKomp]

@@Kuzyn yes i agree. But not in this kind of game. In strategy/building games u just need some background music.

[@Harcsa111]

That first 52 seconds, almost brought me to tears, it was so beautiful. I've listened to it 20 times now, still gets the goosebumps ... :)

[@sixpackpilot]

I think this soundtrack with acoustic and orchestral recordings, incl. period-correct instruments, adds so much to the atmosphere and immersion into a medieval (game)world. Good choice! The game should sound like the age it is trying to bring to life. I like the realistic, organic look of the villages and surroundings. It looks cinematic no matter if you look from a distance in the morning haze, mist, snow or rain with muddy paths or when you zoom all the way to ground level, following individual characters going about their business. Villages should reflect the medieval times with their organic, unique layouts, without visibly repeating patterns and they do in this game.

[@FuriousGrizz]

It's so easy to just use sound software to emulate an orchestra, or any your soundtrack for that matter, but you didn't, and it shows! I respect you guys so much more for that, it's incredible soundtrack! Amazing job on your game, and I look forward to see what comes out in the future for the game!

[@HoboInASuit4Tune]

Live recordings. Amazing! I too had expected you to use software emulation for the scoring. I was already listening attentively to the OST while watching someone play a demo of Manor Lords. I was already wondering which string library the music was made with and thought it must be the newest and grandest thing, and I needed it for my instrument library... Both good and bad news, I guess. :P Love the score! It's so emotional.

[@wrongmark_]

I absolutely love it! It really reminds me music from The Witcher: The Wild Hunt. Keep it up! Cant wait to play the game

[@C4lipp0]

The fact that this is a real orchestra and not software makes it feel much warmer :)

[@aZaBerlin]

Thanks for that video. The music is so awesome, very interesting to see how it came to life

[@HVossi92]

As a hobby musician I am always super happy about OSTs with real instruments :) (This reminds me of Total War Shogun 2's behinde the scenes video)

[@Nasraniksatria]

Soundtrack is always the underrated/overlooked part of a video game, because even if you’re no good at gaming, you can still hear the soundtrack.

[@JonathanChuter1996]

So great to see a fellow South African making such beautiful music 🌍

[@gideonroos1188]

As soon as he spoke and I saw thr name I knew they were South African. That accent is unmistakable.

[@Ace57_]

Please add more soundtracks to the game, some of the best music in any game, love the menu music especially. You've made an absolutely fantastic game here.

[@Overxpossed]

The music is so on point... oh... Lord... so inspiring...

[@AlaskanWampa]

THIS is the difference between good and great games......THIS. RIGHT. HERE. We will wait for almost ever to play this game. LFGGGG

[@Seabee203]

It releases in a week

[@madfeldor]

One of the things in games for me, to like and to love, is music. This game already has great music. Hope there will be more songs. Cheers...

[@holyfishpaste.]

I think this soundtrack may pass my all-time favorite video game soundtrack of Halo 3! Keep up the incredible work and can't wait to play the game.

[@Balkanlegija]

Can we all just for one moment appreciate, that despite all the shit is being said on the internet, media and twitter, that there are people still living honoring our occidental cultural heritage....in which way or form whatever. Give me a multiplayer and this will be the greatest game of all time 😍 god bless friends

[@TheAldiraies]

Till this day i listen to the soundtrack from the demo. Can't wait for the full game!

[@nordicwillness]

Listening to this brings me a nostalgia not felt since Kingdom Come Deliverance or watching LOTRs. I'm in love with this game and all I've played is its demo.

[@Ash_Hudson]

All I can say is truly well done, man. You have gone way above and beyond to create this game, and it honestly looks like a masterpiece. A creation built with nothing but love.

[@CapybaraConnoisseur89]

Nice! Glad to see live music I am huge enthusiast of Soundtracks in general, looking forward to add this to my collection once it's released.

[@kungfupanda4452]

Lest give this game game of the year award!

[@javlar6034]

это лучшая градостроительная игра в которую я играл, низкий поклон разработчику

[@EbenezerVeiculos-ec6zt]

Nós brasileiros, estamos muito ansiosos com o lançamento desta obra de arte!

[@documundo9749]

You guys are following the right path to create special games and become a true gaming company, like bethesda's early days.

[@russell7995]

Wistfully enchanting! A beautiful creation. Thank you for sharing this backgrounder.

[@FoxterionMusic]

Well even I have medieval music, but it can never be compared to live recording It's just so amazing the deepness of each meaning it's just you want to hear it over and over again and so on this game will be truly masterpiece can't wait for it players who love strongholds etc will love it my self inc ofc :D good job to everyone.

[@Hellmood_CZ]

I have been waiting for 2 years already, and since its coming in april im super excited

[@MrTobless]

the soundtrack is absolutely awesome. Just staying in the main menue for listening.

[@josefchodounsky8173]

awww that was beautiful, mangificient, overwhelming expirience to hear it. Now I want to play the game so much!!

[@YourGodStalin]

Honestly, from the couple of days of the demo I got to play, there's very VERY little chance this game will disappoint me, this is legitimately the most excited I've been for a game since I was at least 2015...I think Fallout 4 was the last time I was this excited about a game, and I don't think I was as excited for that as much as I am about this.

[@firelock9080]

I've been working on my own game for several years, and I've accumulated a bit of experience with composers and game music after scoring over 3 hours of music so far. The level of professionalism that went into this project and the incredible amount of passion from the artists to the composers - it belies the struggles that must have been overcome to create something so meaningful. From both a game design and a musical score perspective, this is great work, seriously great work. Everyone who contributed should be proud of what they achieved and were a part of. Congrats!

[@theodorsechesan593]

What a marvelous work of art this game is.

[@junechevalier]

Please don't get me more excited than I already am 😔

[@GGamePlay23]

It's stunning for me to see this. I'm one of the biggest Anno fans and I love it so much when the game gives you the feeling, that you would be in the age the game is settled in. But I never actually saw how a soundtrack for games like these is made. Thank you for uploading this and get a view behind the scenes. Soooooo hyped for this game!

[@MemeDungeonCheese]

My ears are happy. Can't wait to dive into the game!

[@nikolaibudilov2704]

me a medieval recon guy and i so happy listen true medieval music in this game

[@pasikiiski]

That main string theme is absolute masterpiece, goes far over game music scope. One of the first impressions in demo game for me was soundtrack. It is immersive and sounds naturally ”medieval”… and it is composed and performed perfectly, with authentic instruments and top musicians. BRAVO !!! ( Standing ovation) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@하하호호-e5n]

Sooo good

[@chrisvd2104]

Looking forward to this game!

[@amarokhan6869]

The game we needed ! Glad to see such wonderful musics.

[@monkeylordofdoom14]

I dont even own a pc but il be buying a copy to support such incredible game design and soundtrack composure! I was sure that games were doomed to microtransactions and glitchy garbage forever but you and Larian studios have given me hope!

[@jessedutch3086]

Very well done on the chants! You did your homework well.

[@whimsofmim]

This is so so good. Easily already rivals the best soundtracks I've encountered in various grand strategy games. The way they reference and interpret source material just fits so well. I love that I can hear so many themes and aspects of music from that time period, but also there is that "cinematic" feel for some pieces too. Excellent blend and I think they are doing great to keep things from getting too dynamic when it shouldn't be.

[@Chrisander90]

Who else on 4/26/2024 is counting down the minutes left until the early release?! I can’t wait! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@seacow1095]

I’ve been keeping up with this game since it first appeared on steam years ago. I remember every time I’d look at my wishlist and see manor lords I’d say this game is never coming out. It hasn’t even come out yet, but it’s already worth the wait.

[@Dragulia212]

Schon die Demo bei Steam war absolut beeindruckend und besser als so manches "Vollpreisspiel". Freue mich sehr auf Manor Lords.

[@calmlikeabomb1984]

At first it sounds like a sunny winter day. The sun rises. Reaches her climax and stays there for longer. Then we prepare for dusk and it becomes quieter. It's amazing what feelings an orchestra can trigger.

[@DolioFoilio]

Please release the ost on all major music streaming platforms too!

[@MattLydon2010]

I love the music in this game! Thank you :D

[@Hubris423]

The first song alone is so epic, and sets the tone. Cant wait to immerse myself back into a medieval era game. If I could go back in time it would have to be 1000 to 2000 years ago

[@mitivil1134]

I have acquired this masterpiece "Manor Lords"👍💃

[@moto3463]

Suggestions: Add a eco system for animal ai like red dead redemption 2 with birds, ducks, sheep, deer ect. Add volumetric weather and clouds,fog, make wet mud reflective with spec maps, parallax occlusion. Also rivers and lakes with boats, docks, ability to make power poles, electricity. Also add corn fields ect. Can’t wait been following for years ❤ please also get performance decent.

[@OminousClips999]

Amazing soundtrack

[@sarkis4876]

Потрясающая работа, молодцы !!

[@richardmcgowan1651]

Music is more important to humanity as the ability to make fire. Its more than art it goes way beyond. The soundtrack is so so good.

[@RuneErik67]

Just take my money already.. I cant handle this being so awesome! Cant wait for the game!

[@erikrudolph9483]

Playing this game, several times I had to stop just to listen to the music

[@manfredthegreat]

The soundtrack in the demo was already so good. It all really seemed on point. 👌 The whole project is just so awesome. Great job so far. Thank you for everyone working on it. 🙏 Very excited for the Early Access Release!

[@freerider3434]

The music is mindblowingly beautiful and this video shows exactly why. The right people made it the right way. Bravo!

[@theunlverse5241]

This game is being developed by one person. Mind blowing.

[@bazarista4720]

absolutely incredible

[@CAPTJOHN78]

Thank you for the soundtrack, i almost cry , please keep consistent with the quality of music , hopefully one day you can collaborate with Jeff van dyck

[@DeltaComp]

Hearing this music in the Steam Nextfest demo back in October of 2022. I knew this game was going to be something amazing. I cannot wait until April!