Why not MIDI?

[SpcFORK]

If we have game with many characters, events and dynamic fun stuff, then why is the game not using MIDI?

Could do way more very useful things with track controller etc

Plus, no character specific remixes, just swap instruments/vocal?

I think probably making tons of character tracks plus some JSON parser for time-specific wastes space and loads of time.

[THEkatinamicrowave]

Many reasons:

1. MIDI can't modulate pitch, volume, pan, etc.
2. Vocals better
3. With the new information that we have since the Playable Pico update, we now know exactly why it's not just a MIDI and an SF2 swap: the playable character vocals are completely different compared to base vocals. Also, entire songs are remixed instead of just vocals.

If playable characters were just a soundfont switcheroo, I feel like that would be lazy and overall a negative for the game. I mean, hey, if there can be a feature to make custom faceoffs using MIDIs (as like a non-canon PVP type dealio) then I'm all for that.

[SpcFORK]

I mean, basic MIDI can't do anything, just a bastardized MIDI parser is all you'd need.
You could then just have events to do anything technical.

JSON is just human readable, maybe better for modding, but atp the game has so much support, no need/want to get hacky in the files

Also, MIDI would use the vocals still, since MIDI needs a font, it just allows for more vocal key values and dynamics.
You just don't have any sounds in statically in binary, completely interchangable, and then its good.

My Funkin' clone uses XML for song+chart info right now, but binary form of info+chart+vocal in a Funkin' Style MIDI is most optimal plan Imo unless I am missing smth.

[PSI3x]

There is a mod that actually does this for vocals
The problem with applying this to in-game songs is that midi files have far less versatility compared to exporting it from a DAW: they have far less opportunities for mixing, you can't do interesting vocal stuff on the same level as most erect remixes, etc.
When it comes to the (presumably) planned 2-player mode, this method (specifically having chromatic soundfonts mapped to midi tracks and being rendered in-engine) could work for most songs (week 1 and 3 would sound awkward) and it would be far more storage-friendly than having vocal track files for each character. But, of course, there could be issues with making certain characters work with this.

[THEkatinamicrowave]

Peak game would be

1. Import MIDI
2. Set each note to play a certain "a" "e" "i" "o" "u" soundfont for more customization

[Lasercar]

#3581