Towards an experiment on perception of affective music generation using MetaCompose

MetaCompose is a music generator based on a hybrid evolutionary technique combining FI-2POP and multi-objective optimization. In this paper we employ the MetaCompose music generator to create music in real-time that expresses different mood-states in a game-playing environment (Checkers) and present preliminary results of an experiment focusing on determining (i) if differences in player experience can be observed when using affective-dynamic music compared to static music; and (ii) if any difference is observed when the music supports the game's internal narrative/state. Participants were tasked to play two games of Checkers while listening to two (out of three) different set-ups of game-related generated music. The possible set-ups were: static expression, consistent affective expression, and random affective expression.