I have a dilemma..

No Vote from me Milkydromeda. Still thank you for including the Community. If your finacial Security can take the Hole - Do or in Danger after it - don't! Agreement with Carly Rivers. Your Passion for the United Auroran Federation is a commendation by it's own right. Thy decision is your own Milkydromeda.

Updating my opinion on this after some thought. This shouldn't be a poll, most people are gonna assume "It's a mod, and it's free, and it's a passion project and most people are *poor* these days so sure 6000 is way too much for *just a mod* right?" But that is the wrong perspective here. If after 6000 dollar you'll be okay financially, then this is your choice to make. If the musician is special to you (And I love thier work too) and you would love it involved in your creation, then that is even more reason to do so. Personally, go ahead and do it if you can handle the cost. I think most people are just showing concern over assumptions, as we dont know your finances, and want you to succeed without much struggle for all you've done.

My two credits: The price seems reasonable in terms of cost/time for professional quality of work. While the delivered product would be (say) 6minutes, the time to create is orders of magnitude higher. Does the price include ONLY the final track; OR does it also include deliver of the project files (incomplete/partial work, etc.)? As it is work-for-hire, I assume you would own the rights/use of the final product? If so, then you could use it in-whole, or cuts/splices/mixes of it anyway you liked for the mod, distribution/promotion/trailers and so forth. Second question: Is the final cut provided sight unseen? (or rather, ear-unheard) Or would samples of the work in-progress be provided, as part of a collaboration to obtain the final piece? Sound development for games, just like any other part of the art assets, is iterative. Usually. The biggest question? Is it something YOU want? Can you imagine looking back, and thinking something like "I love this song", years later?

$ 6K for six minutes on a soundtrack?!?! look I love you and your mod, and its mainly because of your hard work, dedication, and your perseverance that you showed us despite all the negative comments from a lot of the people, both in the community and probably in real life too, we already know that your doing this free of charge, not out of compulsion but out of passion and love for a game that isn't even finished yet, 6k is too much... far too much, from where I'm from that can already give someone a fresh new start in life, if his price is that high then I'd rather enjoy the mod with its OST that's already there than see you breaking the bank just so we can hear a soundtrack that made you homeless, or made you eat nothing but instant noodles for the next year or so, long story short = NO, but only because its too expensive, however if you truly believe that this is something you have to have in order to bring your dreams to life then I won' stop you.

From a practical standpoint - absolutely not worth it. However, if you think passing on it will make you regret it for months and years to come - go for it. You're the mod creator.

I voted no, but only because I don't want you to spend so much and put yourself in a bind. If you truly believe the song is needed (and won't hurt you) to make your vision for the mod to be complete, then go for it.

Personally i really like current soundtrack, 6k aint worth it.

I quite like the uaf music, and that already exists... think of it in terms of what you'd really get, a few minutes of music that you don't really need and will be along the lines of an 'oh, nice song' moment before going back to the rest of the game. For that amount of money you could get some coders to put in a whole heap of stuff, which is what I'd do with starsector if I had money. Hire someone to put in a whole heap of modding resources like the ones uaf adds, the ability to add glows and sprites to engines, weapon covers, animation effects that people like me can use to rig up engines, machinery, cranes, fighter hoists and ramps. Stuff like the eyeseau antenna, point towards mouse, point away from mouse, activate if enemy within range. A simple weapon script that does stuff like: when engine is forward/accelerating, play the weapon's sprite animation. With those kinda things I can animate ship rudders, damage response, hatches/windows/weapon mounts that open/close, radar that points out enemies and collision indicators, vector thrusters... etc. Folding wings and flaps. ...and with those scripts you can make even more custom sprites and abilities for all the ships, that even people like me who can't code can still manage to edit.

Unless that person is making the absolute god tier music, maybe a sample so you can get an idea of their work if they don't have examples already.

I took a quick look and yeah $1000 a minute does actually seem to be industry standard with the low end being $500 and high end being around $2000. The real question you should be asking is spending $6000 worth it for this mod. maybe consider asking for 3 mins instead or finding someone who is willing to do it for cheaper. hell you might find someone incredibly talented. the composer for Expedition 33 was a complete nobody until the game director happened to find one of his songs that he posted on some obscure french music forum website.

6k? Is he hiring the London Symphony Orchestra for that song?

So i asked a little around. Renting a whole Orchester is between 4000 and 15000, plus upwards, consider branding, size, etc. A Songwriter on the other hand varies a lot. But most seem to be around 3000, depending on %, royalties and such. I am NOT saying this person is overcharging, with how it looks, it seems more then fine. Making music and the song, both alone it seem fair priced. But then again, its a lot of money, enough for some to pay rent for a few months. Consider it with time and care. If you have the money on the side and its really worth for you, do it. Otherwise, no. Its a fan project and payments this big make it more and more comerical. If not, i bow before you and your choices.

1k per minute is VERY expensive. a lot of artist out there will do it for a HUNDRETH of what hes asking, looks like a scam to me.

a that price its not worth it

$600 Maybe, $6000? Lmao that's crazy. Might as well hire Hans Zimmer to do it. Just take your time and find something you feel comfortable with. There are plenty of talented artists out there waiting to prove themselves.

For Six Minutes Soundtrack? A whole 6000 Dollars? That literally either means "I want NOTHING to do with you" or "Quick get rich and run scenario at the expense of a desperate fool" situation. Either way. It is NOT worth it. Most people making soundtracks of Six Minutes, and if it is only one Soundtrack. It is about 10-20 Dollars, maximum. I can purchase a fucking album of twenty 15-20 Minutes length Tracks, at a mere 40 Dollars, at most, on an official legal site. And i tend to get Albums that even costs less than that by people who are not so well known, or sometimes, fairly known. This is nothing more than one hell of a big fat ugly red flag in the middle of this rock called Earth, that you should avoid and add the individual to the Blacklist and never have anything to do with them ever again. Find someone who is genuinely sincere and reasonable. Rant over. I wish you all the very best and luck. Take care!

While that might industry rate, that's under the impression that it for a paid product. I would still shop around or at least network around for alternatives.

Any project I've partaken directly in the past, has been small-scale. Hundreds of dollars in TOTAL. So this? This is quite literally leagues and orders of magnitude above my own expertise. However, this is also a project that is miles above - both in detail and thoroughness. I can completely empathize with the desire to make this the utter pinnacle of what can be - And if you have a personal inkling as to how the end result would be, then by all means, I am of the 'follow your dreams' camp. My only fear is that the outcome doesn't turn out how you pictured it. I'm sure no matter what, WE would love it... But this is YOUR baby. And I would want to see you proud of it.

That pricing is a clear message of him saying that he wants nothing to do with you. Its the usual formal way to decline without officially declining. It would make more sense to gamble on some new hobbyist who are just starting out with maybe a 50$ to 100$ in total gamble money.

The great music is kinda like a cherry on top.

That would be too much for me. Where I'm from it almost my yearly income. But if you are passionate about it and this 6K will not burden you financially, then I would say go for it.

I assume that is an industry Standard price, which is fair I think but only if you were in like the industry Selling stuff as well. For a Mod I would not be spending THAT amount of Money on a Single Soundtrack no matter how amazing it would be. (and it better rock my socks off for 6k lmao) The Music you currently have is already great but I think you can probably find someone at half the Price that will also deliver an Amazing Piece of Music. (Though even at 3K I personally would not do it tbh)

If it was for something you were selling I'd say its not too bad of a deal, but the return on investment for a free project with optional donations seems like it'd be fairly steep. I personally wouldnt be able to justify that, but i do understand your intense passion for the project so if you think it wouldn't hurt your financial stability and decide to go that way I fully support you!

Maji desu ka?! You wanna do something so yabai? Wow, sugoi! The logic of your friends is just... bimyō (meh), you know? It's not about the money, it's about the kokoro (heart). Listen, if you're a true fan, an otaku for this project, you have to follow your gut. This composer, he's a shokunin, a true master craftsman. The music he makes is not just some tracks, it's the tamashii (soul) of your story. The first time you contacted him, it was a kami-sama no koto (a thing from God). A sign. You couldn't do it then. But now, you are ready. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. 6,000 dollars? Maji desu ka?! Yeah, it's a lot. But to have the only music from your oshi (favorite creator) for the climax of your project… sugoi! That's a cho-kakoii (super cool) thing to do. Don't worry about the concerns. Donmai! This is your dream. Make it happen. A true shokunin doesn't cheap out on his art, and you shouldn't either. The feeling you get when you hear that music for your finale that's something money can't buy. Gambatte (Do your best)!

i love the mod and honestly enjoy the music already present. im sure there is someone that is justr starting out that could do something similar. infact my friend is a dance music dj in berlin that might be an option?

I already enjoy your creation of this mod. We don't want to see your financial burden. I love to donate to help but sadly no job atm your mod has been enjoyable and help me distract me from some depression. Do what you feel you can handle.

I'm no expert but with that kind of pricing it sounds more like your being scammed than actually getting a fair price for the work your asking of them.

Not for music. We already have so much beautiful music in this mod, it wouldn't sit right with me if you dropped that much money on a single track. I have no frame of reference for this, but it sounds like it's a large sum even for you.

tbh 6000 for an 6 minute sound track is reasonable IF and ONLY IF it is for commercial use, aka you get all rights to the soundtrack to sell it and make money with it. Question you need to ask yourself is: "Is my mod, my creation, the story and world I build there, is my UAF mod worth the 6000 bucks for me?" Can you imagine yourself proudly telling family and friends about the story that you finished with an banger that cost you 6 grand (the price of an a small car) ? If the anwser is yes, go for it, just make sure you can eat normally after that XD

Looking at it from a creators perspective, i would say i would be mixed about it. On one hand it would elevate the moment and make it more memorable, mybe even more discoverable by more people as the music would be shared around. And it would also give a sense of accomplishment from how far you have came. On the other hand that price for 6 minutes is very steep. For me that is basically my income for 6 months without food or anything. I might know who you mean and if it is, then the quality explains the price. But also feels like due to their popularity their price reflects that. I would only do it if i knew i would have enough money left. Or the support from others was strong. As this is very much a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would vote yes but only if you were very stable. As the price is very, very large, but the impact may be very rewarding.

Let's donate!!!!

Personally, I think 6,000 is quite expensive, but it's something you should decide for yourself. If you're still contemplating it, I believe you might have already found your answer. So, I say follow what feels right to you. I won't vote either way because I believe this decision should be yours to make.

So, with the frankly minimal amount of information you got here. I gotta put it into frames i understand. So I asked myself. Would I pay 6000 dollars for my favorite band to make a full song/soundtrack for a character/thing i did or made. Honestly thats comparable in price to dropping money on making a fursuit for an OC. And you know what? I might do it, I might honestly do it.

I will love this mod with or without a top-notch soundtrack. That said, I have a friend, who is a musician, and if it helps, I can ask her if she'd be able to help you. Not sure if she does that kind of style, but one never knows. Anyhow, let me know if yo are interested. Granted - it might not work at all, but if it does, I'd be delighted to contribute to the mod. Of course, I myself do not require any reward whatsoever. If anything, being useful to the author of the mod is a reward itself.

It's a fair price for professional work, if the quality is there and its polished, it would be a fair price, the issue is that it's not for a game to sell but for a free mod, you make bank on the people in patreon that support you, like me, but that's focused on the whole mod, not just the music for a single moment in the history of the mod. I would say show samples of the artist and make a kickstarter campaign or something, those of us that want to chip in for that song will do.

6k for a six minute song is pure highway robbery i would say yes if it was a album for the mod atleast 5songs for that price

Love your mod, 6k USD for 6 minutes definitely not worth it for a free mod. If this was a paid game and the music is being used commercially I could understand the high costs, but for a free mod like this it would be much better to find cheaper alternatives. Unless you have a lot of spare money saved up somewhere I wouldn't recommend spending $6k even if it's your dream music artist.

No. Not in the slightest. Years ago I've spent years in community who had massive amount of artists of all kind. And many of them would create you a piece for a fraction of this price. Now i don't know what exact quality you mean, but I could have vouched for them back in the day. Keep seeking alternatives I'd say. Don't tunnel vision!

It's honestly a fair asking price but 6000 for a mod is too much. However if you do, the mod will definitely be immortalized.

I won't claim to know what is a fair price, but spending $6000 of your own money, in this economy in a uncertain future, for a song for a your free mod, is not reasonable to expect you to do. I understand wanting to make the mission memorable, but unless you had some backers that would front you a good portion, I don't think you should take the risk. I mean, most economist recommend having 10k for emergency, thats 60% of that recommended safety net. I voted no because of that.

If this person is as excellent as you've stated, I don't think their asking price is too much for their work. However, I voted no on the poll. This mod is amazing, and I love the idea of a great soundtrack for a climactic moment... but this is ultimately still a free mod, without easy monetization to recoup that expenditure. I think unless you're expecting to (and in a financial situation comfortable enough) spend your own 6k for this mod which you've poured so much work into, I personally wouldn't do it. For a game dev which expects this to increase sales, it could be considered a business expense- a banger soundtrack could bring in an additional 6k in sales.

Well tbh this mod is your artwork so I guess you would like it to be special, and I know how tempting it may by especial that it seems that your a fan of this artist, but still its sh*t ton of money for a one track. Money that could be spend on other thing. In my opininion it will be better to find some other artist for now, eventually leave this to the very end of project as a finale blow, when you will know that this will be last thing, and you would not have any others expences.

Six g's for six minutes of music isn't worth it.

6k for 6 minutes? does bro know we live in the era where people can just make music with ai?

6 minutes 6k. NOPE! but then again what is special, how do you put a price on that, so only you sir can justify if its worth it. However I am sure if you ask us is the UAF mod special? we are all gonna vote YES.

6K? For six minutes? Yeah nah thats way overpriced imo

Personally I can't see a way to justify that cost. BUT at the same time I absolutely get wanting to get something really special and I know I've spent a lot on a few things that were special to me that I couldn't really logically justify. So while I did vote No on the poll I totally understand and would support you getting the music with how special you say it is to you.

Only you can justify what it's worth to you. For me personally I don't think I could justify it, but it comes down to financial wellness. Are you in a position where spending $6000 wouldn't put strain on your finances? Passion has it's place, but so does responsibility. You've clearly put a lot of thought into this and still want to do it. Go with what feels right for you, but don't compromise on your needs for it. Maybe set up a special subscription tier for it and use the funds from there to cover the gap. It is your mod, but you've built it with the community, and given countless hours into it. We've trusted your vision thus far, why should we stop now?

It IS too expensive, but only you can decide if it's worth it to you. If you're in a decent place financially and can afford it then I don't see anything ethically wrong with you spending the money.

Honestly with this much passion from your fans and community itself I think ya can get lot of great music way cheaper. 1000$ minute rate is way too much. It would have to be pretty damn magical to justify the asking price.

If I am going to be completely honest with you? 6k for a single 6 minute soundtrack is absurd. It would be more logical to see that as more of a 2k price point at MAX, and that is with probably other known musicians that could do it. 6k is more in line with having an album list of a few songs of consistent 3 minutes apiece.

6k is too much my dude!

If I remember correctly, I might know who you are talking about. As you said, it represent a large sum. If I were in your shoes, I'll do it. I'll do it because it is something that you do once in a life. It is to make the Battle of Aurora truly unique. It may be stupid, but that would mean that you get your special track made by the artist you wanted, and because it would hold a higher sentimental value. Now the problematic part : I don't know your financial situation, personnaly, if my situation was sufficiently stable, I would put the money on the table and then go back to save up for a few months, if I could I would do multiple payment to ease the burden. You could dedicate some "surplus" Patreon money to it. (say you get 500 to 600 USD a month from Patreon, once the 550 USD reached, you put the "surplus" into that project). That's the way I would proceed to finance that spending. In the end, the UAF mod is yours. The UAF story you want to tell is yours alone, you have the opportunity to make it even more special to your eyes, do it. Because that what I would do.

If the music was for personal enjoyment it would be way too expensive and not something I would get. But as music for your mod, it is something that can reach plenty of people, and if you think it's truly that good I am willing to trust you and support your choice. You could open a special crowdfund and I'll toss in 50 bucks or something for it.

Not worth my Brother , save money and don't crunch your head for that <3 big love on you and your work !! French fan :)

Honestly I’m conflicted because depending on who it is then I’d argue 6k could be worth it and it seems like they’re a somewhat big name in the industry so it could be worth it in theory. My suggestion would be to approach some other people in the field and figure out if that’s a reasonable price in general or if like 3k is the normal price for what you’re asking for and the extra price is due to the name recognition

I could accept 1000 barely 2, but 6? Thats not worth it for 6 minutes for fucks sake. Its a fuck you, get out of my face price meant to scare you off. This guy doesn’t respect you in the slightest. That or you got someone as big as John Williams there composing for you. 100 to 500 per minute is the standard rate for indie games, so its up to you to justify it.

It's hard to comment on without further information on the track. I assume the person is skilled, established and has quite a portfolio. If it's an orchestral piece with multiple instruments and perhaps even vocals then 6k USD is realistic. Almost on the low end i'd guess. If it's "just" a synth track then it should better be a pretty good one. The only contra point i have is, that the person probably doesn't need the money or exposure and you could get half an OST for that from people who are just starting out while giving them an opportunity. I'm into hobbyist/amateur music and there's so much excellent stuff i've heard over the years on youtube and bandcamp. In the end it's your money - if you want to spend it and it's sorta your dream then go for it. Maybe even set up a paypal for special donations towards the track. I'm sure a couple people would want to help out.

Matter of opportunity cost. What other thing, or more likely multiple things, could yet get instead for that six grand?

I'm rather fond of what narumi has done, I wonder if you could maybe get a special project with them instead as it would be more fitting I feel, though if you're going for a more cinematic soundtrack for this moment I understand wanting something a bit more complex

Look for someone newer in the industry. This guy sounds established. Give some newbie a chance, and save some cash.

The question you need to ask yourself is what is the alternative and whether these funds would go to something more important. 6k is a lot to ask for something and unless you can justify it by saying there are no better options, i wouldn’t do it.

I think it entirely depends on the personal value you place on that scene. I know the desire to have a climactic even play out exactly how you imagine it in your head, so I can't in good consciousness put value on something like that. That said, it may be worth shopping around for other offers and seeing if there's a cheaper option. $6000 for a single, 4~6 minute piece is very much on the higher side and I don't know enough about the commission scene there to offer any advice.

Nah 6k is CRAZY for that. What is he? A professional Hollywood music producer?

I would definitely advice against taking that deal. I'm not a musician so maybe I'm wrong, but that price sounds ridiculous.

I have no idea about the in and out of the music production or how skilled the guy you are asking for. On one hand, sometimes things are expensive for a good reason, on the other hand, you are making a free mod and rely on your fans's good will to keep project afloat. Nobody will fault you for not blowing all your money into this project.

The Price is very very steep, i would expect the person you are asking is quite well known and very good otherwise its just too much for a single song. To my knowledge the price should vary between 300-500 per minute depending of course on the popularity of the musican and the complexity of the soundtrack. 100-200 for indie musicans who basically no one knows. However i fully get that if you like that particular Musican very much that you want to have its work in particular. Even if you find someone else that is equally skilled or even better for a cheaper price it will always feel a tiny bit off to you. But yeah, personally i would not spend the money for it at that price, its just too much if you are not comfortable enough to spend that amount, without ripping a hole in your savings.

I love your mod. For me the best mod there is for SC, and i love music for games. But 6 k is realy to much... and thets from some one thet bought a 5 k laptop. If it was for, lets say 15 or 20 mins. Sure, but for 6? no.

Goodness. That feels like a major rip off. Unless you are also getting a live orchestra version. Honestly. No. For one song? that's really bad.

I love your mod but I’d feel bad if you spent money you might need for rent or an emergency and we were the ones who convinced you to do so. Mods are nice but you don’t have to spend that much on a hobby unless you feel extremely comfortable with where you’ll be financially afterwards and genuinely want to as a choice you made for yourself.

Wake up, go to work, come home, give love to the pets, play star sector, go to bed... This is my life currently, I make around $2,500 in a month alongside my wife who makes around the same amount. We spend about $4,000 a month, that amount that you're being told is the cost is literally worth a months rent utilities groceries and other necessities... If this is the price for the story it's admirable that you're willing to put so much of your heart into it, but it's just not worth it. I appreciate you and all of the work that you've put into this mod, it's one of my favorites and actually was the first mod that I installed because it's what got me into star sector in the first place. Please don't feel hurt that this isn't the option that people feel is correct, but what you should know is that we all know how much you've poured into this, and are grateful 🥲

Okay honest thing here now: I may dare say I’m pretty good at being a money burner, I’ve wasted nearly 1k+ into DCS world with hardware equipment + modules and even I have to argue that 6k is unreasonable. If it’s 1k, it’s fine If it’s 2k, you can argue it be one hell of a final bang At 3k I’d be iffy Double times of fucking that ^ is stupid, and if someone with the financial planning of a toaster saying that 6k is a lot is in itself saying a lot.

For $6000 you could hire multiple other musicians and ask for a song in the style of the original musician. I believe you may be blinded by your dream musician and are missing the plethora of talent that exists.

1k per minute is a reasonable rate for a commercial product. As in a pay to play game. Not for a free mod. Indie devs tend to set an upper limit of $200 per minute and try to recoup some of this via sound track sales. Unless you actually believe that you can recoup some of the investment in the soundtrack via increased revenue, it's effectively setting money on fire.

I understand you want it to be special, but that is a really steep price for a single song.

$6,000 is the price for a manual Honda Civic, and you can have more than 6 minutes of fun in a manual Civic. To me, that price is rather ridiculous.

For that amount of money, I would imagine you could get at least 6 songs for about 1k each. Around that same marker length wise, I could even argue 2k. But that is way too expensive, just because you like their work, price is not worth it imho.

6k? Wtf?

WHAT