Music System

Gothic uses Microsoft DirectMusic for its interactive soundtrack. Unlike simple audio streaming, DirectMusic allows for dynamic transitions and variations based on the game state (e.g., exploring, combat, or scripted events).

File Formats

The music system relies on three main file types, which work together to create a dynamic soundtrack:

Extension	Type	Description
.dls	Downloadable Sounds	Contains the instrument samples (wave forms) used by the music.
.sty	Style	Defines the musical structure, including bands (instruments), motifs, and patterns.
.sgt	Segment	The actual playable track that arranges the style patterns into a timeline. THIS is what you reference in scripts.

warning

Music files (.dls, .sty, .sgt) cannot be packed into VDF or MOD volumes. They must be present as loose files in the _work/Data/Music/ directory (and its subdirectories) to be loaded by the engine.

Tools

DirectMusic Producer

To create native Gothic music, you need DirectMusic Producer, a legacy tool from the DirectX SDK. It allows you to compose adaptive music that reacts to game events.

• Read more about DirectMusic Producer

zBassMusic (Alternative)

For modern modding, you can use the zBassMusic Union plugin. It replaces the DirectMusic engine with the BASS audio library, allowing you to use standard audio formats like MP3 and OGG.

• Read more about zBassMusic

Scripting

Music in Gothic is controlled via Daedalus scripts. The C_MUSICTHEME class defines a music track and its properties.

Class Definition

class C_MUSICTHEME {
    var string file;           // The .sgt file to play
    var float vol;             // Volume (0.0 to 1.0)
    var int loop;              // Loop the track (1 = yes, 0 = no)
    var float reverbMix;       // Reverb effect mix
    var float reverbTime;      // Reverb duration in ms
    var int transType;         // Transition type (e.g., TRANSITION_TYPE_FILL)
    var int transSubType;      // Transition sub-type (e.g., TRANSITION_SUB_TYPE_MEASURE)
};

Instance Example

Music instances are typically defined in _work/Data/Scripts/System/Music/MusicInst.d.

instance SYS_Menu(C_MUSICTHEME_DEF) {
    file = "Gamestart.sgt";
    transType = TRANSITION_TYPE_NONE;
    transSubType = TRANSITION_SUB_TYPE_MEASURE;
};

You can then play this instance using the Wld_PlayGlobalSong(instance) external or by assigning it to a zone/guild.