Dear Adventurer
Welcome to the first newsletter of Autumn 2025. This edition is focused on one major addition to Tidefall‘s rapid development: sound.
On the surface, sound encompasses the handcrafted music that will bring the Island to life, but also the curated ambience that will immerse you in that all-important sense of place. Sound is a creative process and, as with everything we do, we wanted a first-in-class creator to lead this aspect of the game.
So we got one (read on to find out more about him!).
And because we want to keep you up to date with the progress we are making every month, we have also got samples of the beautiful scores already implemented in the development builds of the game – for you to listen to, just as we have been.
All below, so get reading and get listening!
The Importance of Sound
Many fantasy worlds are defined by their sonic roots: what would Star Wars be without John Williams? RPGs are enriched – sometimes even defined – by how they sound as you become immersed in their worlds.
Like everything we do, we aim to pioneer and lead the pack.
So, whilst Tidefall is a literary game, we wanted to make sure players would feel that timeless immersion wash over them. We also want to employ music to help tell Tidefall‘s many stories, and to punctuate the what you’re reading through striking ambient noises. That’s all quite a challenge.
But ultimately, we wanted sound – and so we got sound.
That is the track that plays through the Village of Ebstone. Like it? We definitely do. But who is this mysterious composer?
Meet Eric Gordon Berg
Eric brings heaps of experience from gaming and film, and you may well have heard his work from the Beyond Skyrim modding projects.
We thought we’d ask Eric a few questions. So get cosy, play the music, and read along while you listen…
Getting to know Eric
(AS:) Let’s get to know you, Eric. Tell us a little about yourself – where have you come from and what experience do you bring to Infinity Fiction?
(EGB:) “I grew up with a love for both film and games, and that naturally led me into composing and producing music. Over the years I’ve built a career in the modding and indie game scene, where I’ve written hours of music for projects like Beyond Skyrim that have reached millions of players and even gained international recognition, including features on BBC Radio. Along the way I’ve also worked as a producer, engineer, and educator, which gave me experience not only in writing but also in managing complex creative projects from start to finish.
(EGB:) “What I bring to Infinity Fiction is that blend of creativity and structure. I know how to deliver music that’s both immersive and memorable, but also how to build the workflows and pipelines that make collaboration efficient. I’m excited about Tidefall because it brings together my passion for fantasy storytelling with the chance to be on the forefront of how AI can shape the future of games – but most of all, I’m one of you! I’ve been a gamer my whole life. I’ve enjoyed exploring and living inside fictional worlds and I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Playing Favourites
(AS:) What’s your favourite game, film, and OST?
(EGB:) “It’s always hard to pick just one! For me, the games that stand out most are the ones tied to a sense of nostalgia. Growing up, I played a wide variety, but some that immediately come to mind are Fable, God of War, Red Dead Redemption, Skyrim, The Last of Us, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Left 4 Dead, and Guild Wars. Each of them shaped my love for different aspects of storytelling, worldbuilding, and immersion.
(EGB:) “When it comes to film, The Lord of the Rings had the biggest impact on me. The Return of the King was actually the first soundtrack I ever purchased and listened to on its own. At the time, I had no idea that one day I’d be writing fantasy music for video games, but that experience planted the seed. It showed me just how powerful music can be in creating lasting emotional connections.”
Why Tidefall?
(AS:) What has drawn you to Tidefall?
(EGB:) “I believe AI is here to stay, both for better and for worse. It’s important that it’s approached responsibly. For me, the heart of gaming and entertainment will always be artistic expression, and I want to make sure that remains a focal point as technology evolves. What excites me about Tidefall is not only the opportunity to write music for a rich fantasy RPG, but also to be part of shaping how AI can enhance storytelling and player immersion in meaningful, creative ways, rather than destroy it.”
The Mechanics of Sound
(AS:) What’s been your experience with the tech so far, and how do you anticipate taking Tidefall’s sonic world forward?
(EGB:) It’s an incredibly exciting task. I don’t believe there has even been and audio visual experience quite like Tidefall. Imagine you walk into a room and you can hear every single living detail of the world around you. The light drizzle of rain outside, a cozy fire lit on the other side of the room. You interact with the environment and The Living World Engine has an audible reaction. It’s like reading a book but the sounds are all happening in real time around. It’s a bit like bridging the gap between imagination and reality.”
Looking Forward to Looking Back
(AS:) What would you like to see in the finished original soundtrack (OST)? What would make you look at a completed Tidefall and feel proud?
(EGB:) “My goal is always the same when writing a soundtrack: I want players to hear the music and be immediately transported back to the exact moment they first experienced it in Tidefall. If the soundtrack can spark that urge to return to the game again and again, then I’ve done my job. For me, an immersive and memorable score is what helps make a game truly unforgettable, and that’s what would make me feel proud of the finished OST.”
That’s all for August! Catch our team for a chat in Discord, and see you in Tidefall.
And don’t forget to sign up for the Tidefall Prelaunch on Kickstarter.
Lots of goodies will soon be available – don’t miss out!
