Intro & Table of Contents 

 
My first episode of Composer Code was recorded using free software on a work computer with 
a crappy onboard mic. 
 
My first commissioned game soundtrack was created using a free Sega Genesis tracker, 
negotiated using a free contract template, and invoiced with a free invoice generator. It literally 
cost me nothing but time.  
 
There has never been a better time to compose video game music than right now. The 
resources we have at our disposal to grow our careers, produce incredible sound, structure our 
days, and achieve our goals are unprecedented.  
 
I made this guide to help you understand that you ​can s ​ tart and grow your game audio career 
using free tools.  
 
Everything​ on this list is free unless parenthetically noted (as in the case of free trials). 
 
95% of the resources on this list are things that I use on a regular basis or have been 
instrumental in my growth as a composer. For your convenience, I’ve categorized them as 
logically as possible into the following buckets: 
 
1. Music theory & technique 
2. Image & video editing 
3. DAWs & audio editors 
4. Trackers 
5. Musical notation 
6. Transcription & analysis 
7. Virtual Studio Instruments (VSTs) 
a. Orchestral & acoustic VSTs 
b. Synth VSTs 
c. Drum & percussion VSTs 
d. Mixing & FX VSTs 
e. Utilities & Misc. VSTs 
8. Productivity 
9. Marketing & Brand-building 
10. Implementation & Development  
11. Finance & Budgeting 
Music Theory & Technique 
 

Musictheory.net 
This site is probably the most comprehensive and polished roadmap to understanding music 
theory that exists online. It takes you from understanding staffs and clefs all the way to 
inversions and Neapolitan chords. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s got all the important stuff, and 
gives you more than enough knowledge to get you started. Check it out ​here​. 

VGleadsheets 
There’s no greater database for video game lead sheets than… well, VGleadsheets! I know the 
folks behind this great site and they’re the hardest working transcribers and arrangers in the 
business. If you’re looking to analyze the chord progressions of classic VGM tunes or improve 
your technique through some sight-reading practice, check it out ​here​. 

Interactive circle of fifths 

When your chord progressions are getting spicy and you need to figure out a way to get back 
“home,” the circle of fifths is your best friend. Even cooler is this interactive circle of fifths that 
adapts based on your key and even your mode of choice. Pretty great composition aid! Check it 
out h
​ ere​. 
Free Music theory practice 
If you’re wanting to up your theory game even more by committing progressions, notes, and 
cadences to memory, this site is a great resource. It’s like having online flashcards for almost 
any theory concept. Utilize it ​here​. 

Bounce metronome 
This downloadable tool lets you visualize different time signatures through bouncing ball 
animations. It’s really helpful for getting your head around mixed meter or odd time signatures. 
Download it ​here​. 

Wikipedia 
It may seem trite to put Wikipedia on this list, but almost every theory concept has an in-depth 
Wikipedia page. I can speak from experience that I have learned a ton through trolling the music 
theory archives. I’m not going to insult your intelligence by linking to it. :) 

   
Image & Video Editing 
 
Whether you’re creating website graphics or designing a cover for your music pack, quality 
aesthetics are key. If you don’t have graphic design skills or the money to hire someone, don’t 
fret, there are tons of software and services that hold your hand through the design process. 
 

Canva 
Canva is the graphic design program for non-graphic designers. It comes available with 
hundreds of free templates to get you started, and offers some surprisingly powerful 
browser-based functionality. I have edited or created dozens of social media graphics, album 
covers, and marketing assets with Canva. It’s super easy (and super free). Check it out h
​ ere​. 

Gimp 
Despite its unfortunate name, Gimp can do ​almost e​ verything Photoshop can do, which is an 
unbelievable claim for a completely open-source image editor. If you’re serious about making 
graphics for your social media pages, music packs, or website and you know a thing or two 
about image editing, Gimp is your huckleberry (that sounds so weird to say). Download it h
​ ere​.  
DaVinci Resolve 
It blows my mind how much pro-level software is on this list for no charge. Chief among them is 
DaVinci Resolve. I edited corporate videos professionally in my past career. I’ve used Adobe 
Premiere for years, and honestly, I prefer DaVinci Resolve… and the thing is f​ ree.  
 
As a VGM composer, you’ll be editing together demo reels, putting your music to clients’ game 
footage, and perhaps editing YouTube videos as you build your brand. Resolve is an 
unbelievably powerful and user-friendly program that beats out its paid competitors. Download 
it h
​ ere​. 

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) 

Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Lots of folks (like my 
buddy Steven Melin) do livestreams of their composition workflow. This is a great way to 
interact with other composers and showcase your skills. OBS is also super handy for doing any 
sort of screen capture. Get OBS h
​ ere​. 

   
DAWs & Audio Editors 
 
In order to manipulate audio and MIDI, you need a digital audio workstation. DAWs continue to 
evolve with technology, and while I wouldn’t recommend using an entirely free solution as your 
main DAW, the free selections below are worth checking out.  

Reaper (60-day trial, sort of) 

It’s no secret if you’ve spent any time around my site or my content: I’m obsessed with Reaper. 
I’ve used (almost) every DAW on the market and Reaper just ​works ​for me. It’s got a little bit of a 
learning curve but it’s so customizable and adaptable to any scenario that I’d hold it up against 
any​ DAW, ​any ​time.  
 
Reaper comes with a 60-day free trial (with zero features locked behind a paywall), but even 
more incredible is that after the 60-day period, it will just continue to let you use the app. It’s 
almost like buying it is a “suggestion.” This, of course, makes me all the more inclined to 
support this team. Heck, it makes me want to buy two copies. Download it ​here​. 

Cubase (30-day trial) 

Cubase is the choice of DAW by many of my podcast guests, especially those who compose 
VGM or film music in multiple genres. It lends itself really well to MIDI editing and has an 
intuitive GUI. For managing large templates and tens of thousands of MIDI events, Cubase is an 
excellent choice. Check it out h
​ ere   
Ableton Live (90-day trial during COVID-19) 
There’s no doubt Live is the industry standard for all electronic and looping music. It definitely 
marches to the beat of its own drum machine with some unique features and an intuitive FX 
chain system. But the powerful DAW has since moved beyond the EDM and performance niche 
into every genre, proving itself to be up for almost any task thrown its way. It’s expensive, but 
the people who love it, absolutely ​love i​ t. Ableton is offering an extended 90-day free trial in light 
of the global pandemic happening in 2020. Take advantage of it ​here​. 

Pro Tools First 

If you’re interested in working with live audio or in professional studios, a basic grasp of Pro 
Tools is a must. Unfortunately, there’s no way to get your hands on a copy of the software for 
learning purposes unless you want to navigate Avid’s clunky onboarding path and then pay a 
subscription fee of $30/month. No thanks. 
 
Enter Pro Tools First, a completely free (albeit limited) version of Pro Tools with all the essential 
functionality you need to understand the iconic DAW. Personally, I’m not a fan of Pro Tools or 
Avid in general and would only use this to better understand the PT environment. If that’s you, 
check it out ​here​.   
Garageband (Mac only) 
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the classic, tried-and-true “diet DAW” that comes packaged 
with every Mac. I started on GarageBand. I think a ​lot o​ f people started on GarageBand. Each 
year the interface gets smoother, the instrument choices get more impressive and this fun little 
musical playground gets closer and closer to becoming a professional-level DAW.  

Audacity 
While technically an audio editor rather than a DAW, Audacity is the classic open-source audio 
program and comes with some powerful noise reduction features that rival even some of the 
most expensive plugins. If you’re looking for a quick way to record audio and edit, Audacity will 
get the job done. Anything beyond that and you’ll want to look at other solutions on this list. 
Download Audacity ​here​. 

Soundbridge 
Soundbridge is a completely free, fully-featured DAW with all the features of a paid 
music-making solution. I haven’t had a chance to play with it extensively, but as far as I can see 
it’s worth a download if you’re on a budget. Check it out ​here​. 

Ardour 
Ardour is an open source, collaborative effort of a worldwide team including musicians, 
programmers, and professional recording engineers. The DAW is suitable for professional use 
but approachable enough for beginners. Development is transparent — anyone can look at the 
source code “like a good piece of vintage hardware, you can open the box and look inside.” 
Check it out h
​ ere​.   
Trackers 
 
Trackers are pieces of software that authentically replicate the hardware of retro sound chips, 
specifically those found in old game consoles. No matter what plugins or VSTs you implement, 
nothing beats the authentic bite of synthesizing the original sound chip. Also, the limitations 
placed upon you give you a taste of what the old composers had to work with when they wrote 
the classic soundtracks of our childhoods. 

Deflemask 
Deflemask is the most feature-packed tracker available. It’s available on Mac, PC, and even 
mobile devices and replicates an impressive collection of seven retro game consoles. The 
developers are awesome, the community is supportive, and the app itself is really fun to use. It 
takes some getting used to, but I wrote an e
​ ntire soundtrack​ in Deflemask, and by the end I was 
composing just as fast as I would in any DAW. Check it out h​ ere​. 
Famitracker 
Famitracker is the OG tracker for replicating NES hardware sounds. However, it’s inferior to 
Deflemask in a number of ways. Namely, it’s only available on Windows and stops at the NES 
sound chip. It was last updated in 2015 and lacks most of the features found in Deflemask. 
Unfortunately, there’s really no reason to use Famitracker over Deflemask, but if you r​ eally w
​ ant 
to, you can check it out ​here​. 

Musical Notation 
 
You never know when you need to whip up a lead sheet for a client or notate four-part 
harmonies for a gig. Having a notation program handy is never a bad idea (especially when 
they’re free). Here are some the best: 

MuseScore 
MuseScore is a completely free, open-source composition and notation platform with a thriving 
community. It’s got almost all the features of its paid competitors including MIDI keyboard 
support, soundfont utilization, unlimited staves and all the articulations and dynamics you’d 
need for giving sheet music to live players. Download it ​here​. 
Sibelius First 
Avid’s Sibelius is definitely the favorite of anybody who’s studied music in university (because 
kinda have to learn how to use it). While Avid did release a free version of Sibelius, it’s insultingly 
limited, only allowing up to four staves among a host of other feature-locks. Just like Pro Tools 
First, this app is only good for learning the Sibelius environment if you’re eventually planning on 
upgrading. Download it h ​ ere​. 

Finale Notepad 
While slightly less limited than Sibelius First (8 staves max), Finale Notepad is a light version of 
the Finale notation app that hasn’t been updated since 2012. It’s also Windows only. You can 
check it out ​here​, but I would *cough* just get MuseScore *cough*.  

Transcription & Analysis 

 

TuneTranscriber 
TuneTranscriber is a browser-based audio manipulation app that lets you import MP3s or 
YouTube videos for the sake of transcription. You can loop sections, slow down or speed up 
sections, and even adjust the pitch. It’s totally free and a great way to quickly transcribe a 
challenging tune straight from your browser. Check it out h ​ ere​. 
Cirrus Retro (formerly Game Music Appreciation) 
If you want to analyze the arrangement, theory, and sound design of the classic soundtracks of 
old, look no further than Cirrus Retro. It’s a browser-based tool that lets you access old 
soundtracks and isolate specific channels to study or transcribe them. This site was an 
absolute necessity for me when I was writing authentic Sega Genesis music for a gig. Check it 
out h​ ere​. 

Reverse chord finder 

A super handy tool for understanding chord labels and chord function based on a series of 
pitches. For really dense or complex harmonies, this thing is a must. I use it a lot for Roman 
Numeral Analyses. Check it out h​ ere​. 

IMSLP.org 
The homepage of every classical music student on the planet, this directory houses hundreds of 
thousands of scores from historic composers. Want to understand how Gustav Holtz voices his 
brass in his iconic Planets pieces? Want to study Bach’s counterpoint for your compositions? 
Look no further than this treasure trove. Check it out ​here​. 

   
Virtual Studio Instruments (VSTs) 
 
All DAWs (with a few exceptions) support the use of VSTs. They’re like miniature programs that 
run inside your audio software. They’re mostly triggered by MIDI data and designed to simulate 
real sounds, synths, or instruments. Below is a categorized list of the best free VSTs online right 
now: 

Orchestral or acoustic instrument VSTs 

Spitfire Labs 
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a product that is so undeservingly free and more eligible for a 
premium price tag than Spitfire Labs. The Spitfire Labs project is a free plugin series created by 
the legendary music software company of the same name. 
 
With new instruments added on a regular basis, the Labs collection gives you access to a rich 
collection of sounds, from dissonant textures to folk palettes to orchestral instruments, and 
they all sound ​incredible. ​Every composer, regardless of their budget, needs Labs in their 
composition arsenal. Download it h ​ ere​. 
BBC Symphony Orchestra (Discover) 
Another gem from the Spitfire folks, the BBC Symphony Orchestra can be purchased 
immediately for $49 or downloaded for free after a 14-day waiting period (quite an unorthodox 
marketing strategy, but I’m not complaining).  
 
The interface features a clickable orchestra layout that not only offers some strikingly beautiful 
samples with many articulations, but helps composers newer to the orchestra better understand 
how each part functions. Download it ​here​. 

Versilian Studios Chamber Orchestra 2 Community Edition 

After recently discovering this sample library, I am absolutely dumbfounded that it’s free. The 
VSCO 2 Community edition is a completely open-source, open-ended, full-bodied orchestral 
library that could ​easily b
​ e packaged in a $300 price tag and fool 80% of people. Every section of 
the orchestra is meticulously sampled, there’s precise mod wheel control for expression, 
virtually every type of articulation, and a lush ensemble option.  
 
These folks are doing the Lord’s work. There are certain samples that sound just as good, if not 
better, than some of the paid libraries I have. Download it h​ ere​. 

Cloudrum 
An expressive, dynamic recreation of the eccentric cloudrum instrument that sounds just as 
much at home in ambient, relaxing soundtracks as it does in a horror game score. Check it out 
here​. 
Synth VSTs 

Komplete Start 
I’m including this in the synth category because it’s primarily synths, but really, this impressive 
free collection of 16 pro-grade VSTs could be in any of these categories. Native Instruments is 
one of the leading companies creating quality VSTs, and this starter pack is designed to get you 
hooked. Whatever genre of VGM you’re composing, there’s a ton in here to get you started. 
Download it ​here​. 

TAL-NoiseMaker 
I’m gonna save you some time and tell you to just download ​everything by TAL​ right now. In 
addition to their incredible free mixing plugins, the TAL-NoiseMaker might be the most 
well-renowned open-source synth online. It’s laid out in a logical and intuitive way that makes 
getting into synthesis easy. The kind of sounds that come out of this thing can keep you busy 
for weeks. Download it ​here​. 

   
Dexed 
Dexed is one of the best free synths out there which is why it makes this list. It’s modeled after 
the legendary Yamaha DX7, a vintage FM synth with an unmistakable bite and classic timbre. 
You can recreate almost any sound from the DX7, including that iconic electronic piano sound 
found in tracks like Dire, Dire Docks from Super Mario 64, plus countless others.  
 
If you only have one free synth in your repertoire, this one will keep you busy for a while. 
Download it ​here​. 

discoDSP OB-Xd 
OB-Xd is based on the Oberheim OB-X. It’s a fantastic free softsynth with all the parameters laid 
out on one simple screen. It’s fantastic for retro swells, pads, and basslines. Download it ​here​. 

Synsister Synth 
I love everything about this VST, including its branding. It’s an open-source, self-proclaimed 
“easy synth” that makes synthesizer simple and visual. I remember learning how synthesis 
worked years ago and banging my head against the wall. This plugin would’ve made my life so 
much easier to really understand how it all works under the hood. If you’re new to synthesis and 
want to understand it from the ground up, definitely give this plugin a try. Download it h​ ere​. 

   
U-he Tyrell N6 
For a fatter, more modern synth sound, check out this subtractive synth with a ton of awesome 
sound presets. Download it h
​ ere. 

Deducktion Synthesizer 
Awesome free synth with a beautiful interface and wide range of sound capabilities. It’s great 
for learning the basics of synthesis. Download it ​here​. 

Soca Labs PAPU 

For you fellow chiptune enthusiasts, this VST emulates the sound hardware of the original 
Nintendo Gameboy for all your chiptune needs. Download it ​here​. 

TAL-U-No-62 

TAL made the list twice with its robust emulation of the Juno 60 vintage synth. While die-hard 
synth fans will definitely hear the difference between this and the hardware, it’s the difference 
between zero dollars and shelling out upwards of $2,000 for the vintage version on eBay (yikes). 
Download it ​here​. 

   
Bruce Sutherland JuceOPLVSTi 
JuceOPLVSTi emulates the sound of the legendary Yamaha DOSBox OPL2 and OPL3 sound 
synthesizer chip used in the mid-1980s on old PC sound cards (the Ad Lib card and early Sound 
Blaster series). So if you’re in the (very niche) market of scoring some retro DOS soundtracks, 
look no further. It even has that old green and black aesthetic that brings me back to playing 
Oregon Trail on my Apple IIe as a child. Check it out ​here​. 

ML PG8X 
This synthesizer probably has the prettiest interface to look at (which makes a big difference to 
me). It lays out parameters in an easy-to-understand way and produces some incredible retro 
sounds. Download it ​here​. 

Klanghelm IVGI 
If I have one thing against Reaper (and most DAWs) is that, while the stock mixing plugins are 
mostly great, almost none of them come packaged with a saturation plugin. Saturation is a form 
of subtle distortion that adds warmth and an analog texture to your tracks. IVGI is a free 
saturation plugin that can produce soft saturation for your master buss or dense, distorted 
sounds to dirty up your individual tracks. Check it out ​here​. 

   
Softube Saturation Knob 
The plugin is simple so I’ll be brief. It’s a knob. It saturates. It sounds awesome. Check it out 
here​. 

Drum & percussion VSTs 

Steven Slate Drums SSD5 Free 

This is a fully-functioning, never-expiring drum kit demo with one great-sounding kit, as well as a 
Classic “mix-ready” processed Slate snare, and three unique kit presets including “Deluxe 2 
Free”, “Hugo”, & “Dry n’ Tight.” An awesome free kit to get some realistic-sounding rhythms 
down. Get it h​ ere​. 

   
JM-1 VST by Jun’s Factory 
A drum emulation of the famous retro LM-1drum machine. Simple, retro sounding beats for free! 
Get it ​here​. 

Smartelectronix Ambience 
One of the oldest free reverb plugins. Try it h
​ ere​. 

Mix Project T.Rex 606 

Mix Project T.REX 606 is a compact rompler modelled after the iconic Roland TR-606 drum 
machine. I was drawn to it by its super simple interface (I’m a sucker for simple design). It’s a 
budget CPU’s dream, weighing in at only 16 MB. It does one thing and one thing really well. For 
throwing together quick beat patterns, I love it. Download it ​here​.   
Mixing & FX VSTs 

Blindfold EQ 
I don’t usually geek out on mixing plugins, but this one caught my eye with its interesting 
premise. It’s a simple, 4-band EQ with all the knobs you’d want to shape your sound. However, 
the kicker is that there are no numbers or indicators for anything. So for frequency, gain, or Q 
values, you have to completely use your ears. Hence, the “blindfold” name. It’s kind of a novel 
idea and I wouldn’t recommend using it on every track, but if you’re trying to wean yourself off 
the graph and trying to use your ears more for mixing, it may be a fun exercise. Download it 
here​.  

MFreeFXBundle 
The MFreeFXBundle from Melda is an enormous collection of 37 unique plugins. The pack 
mainly focuses on plugins for mixing and mastering, but it also comes with a handful of analysis 
plugins and effects including reverb, pitch adjustment, and filters. Get it ​here​. 

   
TDR Nova 
I’ve never encountered such a feature-packed EQ plugin that’s so pleasing to the eye. Oh… and 
it’s free. I use this plugin to process dialogue on every single Composer Code episode. The GUI 
is so sleek, the frequency spectrum analyzer is equal parts useful and gorgeous, and the 
multi-band compression ​built into​ the EQ bands is an absolute game-changer for precise 
sound-shaping. Download it R ​ IGHT NOW.  

iZotope Vocal Doubler 

iZotope Vocal Doubler is a free plug-in designed to enhance your vocal with a natural doubling 
effect, adding richness and depth. It’s got a good-looking, interactive UI dedicated to helping you 
achieve a great double faster than ever. Download it h​ ere​. 

Thomas Mundt Loudmax 

No client wants a clipping mix. A brickwall limiter isn’t the sexiest VST, but it’s essential. 
Download this free one h​ ere​. 

   
Xenakios PaulXStretch 
This VST is an extreme time stretching tool that allows for insane manipulation of audio. If 
you’ve ever seen those “Justin Bieber slowed down by 300%” videos, this is the tool that makes 
it happen. Really great for ambient VGM or sound design. Get it ​here​. 

Xfer Freeware 
Xfer is an awesome VST developer that makes some incredible free VSTs, including the OTT 
(over the top compressor super popular in EDM and electronic music), a modulator, expander, 
and an OP-1 Drum Utility. Download the full suite of free goodies ​here​. 

Utilities & Misc. VSTs 

Plogue Sforzando  
This simple plugin may not look like much, but the real power comes in its ability to load up 
SoundFont files for MIDI playback in your DAW. With a quick Google search, you can find almost 
any SoundFont file for games on the Super Nintendo, N64, Nintendo DS, PlayStation, and several 
other retro consoles. This means you can compose music with the e ​ xact s
​ ame sonic palette as 
the original soundtracks. Pretty amazing! Download it h​ ere​. 
Expanse Texture Generator by Pure Magnetik 
A simple and beautiful VST that creates a subtle “texture” that undergirds your music. Excellent 
for any sort of ambient track or anything that needs a sweeping backdrop or resonating drone. 
Download it ​here. 

E-phonic Tape Delay 

A very simple tape delay effect for creating that specific tape delay sound. Great for “old” 
sounding VGM. Get it h​ ere​. 

iZotope Vinyl 
Vinyl by iZotope is a free vinyl effect plugin designed to simulate the dust, scratches, warp, wear, 
and mechanical noises heard when playing vinyl on a record player. It’s used by lo-fi producers 
to add a hint of vintage sound to a track. Get it h
​ ere​. 

   
Productivity 
 

Toggl 
So let’s say a client asks you how long it takes for you to compose a track (this is an important 
thing to know when negotiating rates, after all). Well… how long? You have been tracking your 
time while composing, haven’t you? With Toggl, time tracking is easy, intuitive, and even 
integrates with your browser. Plus, you can assign dollar values to your tasks and generate 
invoices and hourly reports for your clients. Try Toggl h
​ ere​. 

Trello 
Trello is an excellent project management tool that utilizes the Kanban methodology. Tech and 
development teams swear by it and it’s a fantastic way to stay organized on a gig and track 
asset production. Check out Trello h
​ ere​. 

FileZilla 
Many clients like using FTP (file transfer protocol) to deliver and receive musical assets. 
Whether you’re uploading assets or making tweaks to your website, you’re going to learn to love 
FTP. FileZilla is the best free FTP client out there. Check it out h
​ ere​. 
Google Drive 
The inevitable, irreplaceable, classic file storage and manipulation system. I love Google Drive. 
Whether it’s for storing contracts, organizing projects, or even uploading and sharing finished 
assets, nothing beats this free cloud-based suite. Check it out h​ ere​. 

Wunderlist 
I would absolutely d​ ie w
​ ithout a reliable todo app. As someone who subscribes to David Allen’s 
Getting Things Done​ philosophy, I am fully convinced I have the memory of a goldfish. If not for 
a digital system in which to capture ideas, tasks, and other crucial information, I would flounder 
(heh, fish pun). Check out this excellent free solution ​here​. Another great one is ​Notion​. 

   
Marketing & Brand-building 
 

Grammarly 
There’s nothing more embarrassing than an obvious typo or misplaced word, especially when 
you’re sending prospecting emails to developers. Grammarly is a free browser plugin and tool 
that automatically analyzes your writing to make it the best it can be. This isn’t just a spellcheck, 
it a
​ ctually makes you sound smarter. ​Don’t leave home without it. Check out Grammarly ​here​. 

ConvertKit 
ConvertKit is a free email marketing platform that allows for complex automated funnels, rich 
marketing emails, and more. When it comes to building out automation funnels that continue to 
bring in repeat business for you, ConvertKit is an excellent choice. Check it out ​here​.  
 
MailChimp is a similar service that many businesses have used for years. Check MailChimp out 
here​. 

   
Buffer 
If you’re anything like me, the phrase “social media presence” makes you die a little inside. 
Buffer makes social media easy. Schedule all your posts in advance in one sitting so you can 
give yourself a “buffer” of time and content. It’s important to engage with your friends and 
audience online, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. Check out Buffer h​ ere​. 

Implementation & Development 

 

FMOD & Wwise 

FMOD and Wwise are the two heavy hitters when it comes to implementing dynamic music and 
sound into games. They’re extensive, complex, and completely free (which is kind of crazy). 
There are monetary stipulations when you start making money from these tools, but as you’re 
starting out, there’s no better way to set yourself apart from the competition than to learn the 
ropes of implementation. Check out ​FMOD here​ and W ​ wise here​. 

Unity 
Likewise, I learned the value of at least being able to speak the language of a game engine at 
the game jam I attended. I’m not saying you need to be an expert in Unity (that would require 
weeks of intense study and discipline), but at least being able to navigate your way around the 
program and communicate to developers intelligently goes a r​ eally l​ ong way. Check out Unity 
here. 

Finance & Budget 

 

Mint.com 
If you’re going to be a freelancer, you need a budget. While there are many paid tools that will 
likely be a better fit for longtime careers, Mint.com is a great place to start if you have ​zero 
budget whatsoever. Check it out ​here​. 

Invoice generator 
I love this free invoice generator. Not much else to say, it generates invoices. And it’s free. 
Check it out h ​ ere​. 

Hexany Audio free game dev contract 

The fine folks at Hexany Audio have generously made public their work-for-hire and licensing 
contract for game audio folks. It’s insanely handy and I’ve used it for every gig I’ve had. Thanks, 
Hexany! Check it out ​here​. (password is “gameaudio”). 
 

For more resources on becoming a 

successful game composer, check out 
ComposerCode.com 

 
 
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