PALGN: Thanks for the taking the time out to answer a few questions Inon. First just give us a small background on how long you’ve been composing and what particular games you have composed for.
Inon: I’ve been composing music for games for the past 12 years. I have composed over 50 major titles, among them: Prince of Persia series, Fallout 3, Crysis, EverQuest, SOCOM 2, Naruto, Lineage II to name a few.
PALGN: Your work on Crysis and Fallout 3 has been critically acclaimed by many. How does it feel to know your work is so loved, and to also be able to work on two of the biggest titles of 2007 and 2008?
Inon: Obviously, I feel very fortunate to work on those titles, and to contribute a part of myself to them. It has been a great experience to participate and collaborate with very talented people, and I am very grateful to all the fans that continue to show their appreciation.
A sample of Inon Zur's work on Crysis
PALGN: Previous work also involves the popular title Prince of Persia, which is another high profile title that was critically acclaimed. What was it like working with Ubisoft on such a large project?
Inon: Working on Prince of Persia was very challenging. The creative team from Ubisoft was quite particular about what they wanted the music to achieve, and together I feel we developed a very effective and supportive score. PoP is a beautiful looking game, so it is very inspiring to write music for both this genre and concept.
PALGN: Are there any pieces of work that you are most proud of in particular?
Inon: I am always trying my best to make every score I write something that I will be proud of, so it is a bit hard to pinpoint one score over the other. Some games, like Fallout 3 or Prince of Persia provide a creative and unique environment, so the music reflects that, and can open its wings and fly. We have to remember though, that the role of music in games (as in other media) is to support the game and does not need to stand on its own. If it does both, it is a blessing of course, but music that is not particularly bold or even a brief cue can still be very effective when it comes to certain games or specific situations.
PALGN: Your work has been compared to that of Hollywood composers such as Hans Zimmer and Steve Jablonsky. How do you feel about these, and are there any composers or musical artists that you take inspiration from the most?
Inon: I am keeping my influences/muses very open and am looking for inspiration all the time. There are a few composers in Hollywood like John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith and the Newmans (specifically Thomas) and others that I think are really great, and I’m inspired by them, but I always keep my ears open to listen to new music and let it do its work within.
A Sample of work from Prince of Persia
PALGN: In your spare time, are you a gamer, or do you stick to just composing for them?
Inon: I really like to play when I have time, and I like first person shooters. I enjoy playing the games I composed the music to, but gaming has become less frequent because I am so very busy composing.
PALGN: What else do you enjoy doing apart from composing?
Inon: Playing basketball (I'm quite an avid player), spending time with my family and travelling to new places.
PALGN: Do you have anything to say to your fans in particular?
Inon: I must admit that the fans are in many cases the fuel behind the writings, and I am very appreciative, and I want to truly thank them all. It feels special to have such a warm and supportive audience, and will do everything I can to give you my best!
PALGN: Thanks for your time Inon, good luck with your future projects and we look forward to hearing your latest work!
Inon: Thanks so much for having me. It is a big pleasure and honour to be involved in this project.
For more information about Inon Zur and his work, you can find his web site here. We'd like to thank Eminence and Inon Zur for taking the time out to have the interview conducted.
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