The rhythms of Rytmos, the musical game that captivates

Rytmos, the winner of theApple Design Awards 2024in the Interaction category, it is much more than just a game: it is a musical and visual experience that challenges the creativity of players.

A musical journey around the world

This innovative game combines global rhythms, futuristic aesthetics and clever puzzles to create a unique experience. Players must trace linear paths on increasingly complex boards, avoiding obstacles and activating buttons.

What's fascinating is that each level is set to world music, from Ethiopian jazz to Hawaiian guitar and Indonesian gamelan. And here's the key element: every time you complete a level, you add an instrument to an ever-growing song.

The perfect fusion between music and gaming

“The idea is that instead of reacting to the music, you are creating it yourself,” explains Asger Strandby, co-founder of Floppy Club, the Danish studio behind Rytmos.

This unique fusion between music and gaming is no coincidence. Strandby and his partner Niels Böttcher are both developers and musicians, with roots in the music scene of Aarhus, Denmark.

The birth of a revolutionary idea

The history of Rytmos dates back to the early 2000s, when Strandby and Böttcher met. Although they initially focused on music, forming bands like Analogik that mixed eclectic samples with hip-hop rhythms, they always had the desire to combine music and video games.

"We met one day thinking, 'Could we combine music and games somehow?'" Böttcher recalls. «There are fun similarities between the two in terms of structures and patterns. We thought, 'Well, let's give it a chance.'"

A design in constant evolution

The development of Rytmos was not an easy road. The initial mazes were too complex, so the team brought in art director Niels Fyrst to simplify and clarify the design.

“Building Rytmos levels was like stacking one puzzle on top of another,” explains Strandby. "We not only had to design the levels, but also create the corresponding music."

The magic behind Rytmos music

The music creation process at Rytmos is unique. Instead of using predefined loops, the game generates music in real time based on the player's actions.

«In Rytmos, hitting a transmitter activates a tone, a percussion sound or a chord. One tone hits another tone, and then another, and another. In essence, you are creating a pattern as you play,” details Böttcher.

A human touch in the digital age

Despite all the technology involved, the team strove to maintain an organic, analog sound. "We've gone back to make some songs more vague, because we want them to sound human," Böttcher confesses.

Beyond the game: a cultural experience

Rytmos is not just a game, it is a gateway to various musical cultures. Every element of the game, from the logo to the music, is infused with creativity and meaning.

“Learning about music is a great way to learn about a culture,” reflects Strandby.

In short, Rytmos is an inspiring experience that meets its ambitious goal. As Strandby concludes: “Success in Rytmos is not just about passing a level. "It's creating something."