How are songs made?

[Sheep]

I've tried making a song in the build-in song editor. Not a succes. Are you telling me people seriously make songs with that?
I can't imagine people make these songs arrow by arrow. For a song with 1.500 arrows, that doesn't sound as much fun.

[@@]

The editor is what the vast majority of what simfile makers use. Unfortunately, like most things in life, to make a quality file it takes time. It may seem really boring at first, but as you get used to it, stepping files can become a breeze and actually be a fun process. Generally for a file I spend roughly 30-45 minutes per every minute in the file, depending on the step density. That may seem like a lot to you, but I can guarantee it is a lot more efficient than the old way of doing things, using notepad.

If you are having trouble syncing the songs, here is a good guide to get you started: http://r21freak.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=12750

Otherwise, if you want to use an alternative step editor, here is a great guide to DDream Studio, which is used by some people: http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/vbz ... p?t=123423 . you may be disappointing to find out that this editor does not generally make files quicker to step, but it is just a matter of aesthetics/personal preference.

If you think about it, how would it make sense to be able to make a file without programming every note? Professional BPM analyzing software along with rhythm detecting games such as Audiosurf have a lot of trouble with accurately fitting the music, and those programs are commercial projects, not freeware such as Stepmania (even though I do think that the developers of Stepmania did work extremely hard). Also, do you think that these automatic chart generators would make fun files? Have you ever played a file on Super Shuffle in Stepmania? You would basically get the same result. Chart writing in a way is giving back to the Stepmania community. While it is exiting to see new charts, in the same way that nobody wants a half-assed present made for them, nobody wants to play a half-assed chart.

[Ironsheep]

Sorry, off-topic, (I agree with what @@ has said) but I love your name.

[SpoOkyGames]

@@: well said.

As for me, I have an interesting way of making simfiles but... it's somewhat lazy? (maybe not) I tend to imagine that the notes are on a piano. (pitch related) Listen to the song a bit and try stepping the arrows to the pitch in the melody. (just don't forget the beat as well.) Try not to focus directly on the beat because, they becomes boring VERY FAST. (unless, it's drums only song then, your screwed.) I did this a lot with my recent simfiles but, since there is a limited number of buttons, you tend to... repeat patterns. So, you have to add variants within that pattern without removing the idea completely. It's not easy but, it's what I try doing. It works for me so...

edit: I don't have any videos for examples uploaded sorry. I should probably show one shouldn't I?

edit: Okay... I will upload a video explaining simfile making in general.



~ SpoOkyMagician

[Th!nkPi]

With the case of DDReamStudio I find it easier to sync files (due to the waveform being displayed) and step single BPM charts on there. I'm not sure about other people but I step a LOT quicker with DDReamStudio. I'll speed step 16th runs and index patterns on that program way faster than Stepmania, and it's probably due to the fact that previewing with assist clap isn't a matter of transitioning into actual gameplay (I swear at times coming back from that disorients me for a few seconds before I remember what I wanted to step *shrugs*) However if you're going to include freezes or BPM gimmicks Stepmania is probably the way to go. I use both programs, DDReamStudio to prep my simfiles and Stepmania 5 Editor to tweak them if they're going to have BPM work done.

Stepping charts is just like any other productive task (producing music, creating art, writing articles). It's tedious work and it can get boring (I'm sure proofreading essays and mastering music aren't exactly loads of fun either) but enjoying the final product is usually rewarding. Like most skills the more you step the easier it becomes, or at the least you're able to get it done a lot quicker. There are videos of people finishing 2 minute keyboard charts (with positive feedback) in 20 minutes on the Stepmania Editor. Personally for me after two years of stepping now it takes me on average a solid 6 hours to complete a 2.5 minute simfile with 6 full charts and a set of mediocre GFX if I can get something together myself. This includes constant testing, revisions, searching for artwork/fonts, etc. I've become a lot quicker and more precise with syncing compared to the beginning too. You get better with practice.

If you're interested in stepping and need help here's a rant: