Hi guys, so I am a programmer who has developed a handful of games. Currently I have a personal challenge for myself that I am making nearly 100% of the graphical and musical content for my games. Now so far I have gotten along pretty well using GIMP to create all my sprite 2D graphics, but I have actually made no music or sound for any of my games yet. So here I am asking, what tools should I use to get started?

I've done a bit of research and I really like the look of FL Studio and am considering buying the express edition. However I dont know what else is out there that is simular and more cheaply available. What would you recommend for a guy who is just starting out learning to compose game music?

Hello,

We've had quite a few threads about that topic, which may be the reason people aren't responding to your question.

Here are links to a few of them:

http://www.gamedev.net/topic/626183-recommended-daw/
http://www.gamedev.net/topic/619460-decisions-dawcontroller/
http://www.gamedev.net/topic/619243-what-software-and-hardware-should-i-get-on-a-tight-budget/

In a nutshell: No one will be able to give you a definite unbiased answer. Check out videos and demos of Cubase, Reaper, FL, Ableton Live, Logic (if you're on a Mac), Presonus Studio One, Samplitude, maybe Pro Tools and whichever DAW I forgot and buy the one you feel will compliment your style and workflow, the one you will be most comfortable with.

All tools I've listed are great tools and they're pretty much all able to do the same things like Audio/MIDI/Video playback, VST/AU hosting, automatization... most of 'em come with synths, EQs/Compressors and modulation effects to get you started. The biggest differences are in the user interface, which is just a matter of taste and what you're used to.

Cheers,
Moritz