Negotiating Video Game Music in the Game Industry – Insights from Chase Bethea

In this brief Enterprise Zone interview, I share my perspective  about what clients should understand before working with a video game composer.

One of the most important things to understand before entering a conversation is how negotiations shape the collaboration process.

When someone reaches out to hire me, there’s already an element of trust. They’ve seen my work, heard my music, or understand the level of experience and expertise I bring to a project. My catalog of work brings clarity.

I encourage coming into the discussion with a set budget. Being transpicious about this early on helps establish expectations and allows both sides to explore the best possible solution for the project.

In my 15 year experience, the strongest collaborations betide when negotiations are approached without fear. Creative partnerships thrive when both parties are willing to discuss options, find mutual value, and stay optimistic to flexible solutions that benefit everyone involved.

If we’re entering the conversation with the same mentality and both parties are working toward the same goal, creating something meaningful, then the communication should reflect that shared vision.

Addressing key points such as compensation from the beginning, scope, and deadlines etc. from the start helps prevent misunderstandings later and keeps the focus where it belongs: shipping a great game.

These kinds of thought process practices are imperative to the professional game development ecosystem, and they help ensure that all disciplines of game developers and collaborators can move forward with confidence and clarity.