I once was having a debate on here (about whatever) and used an example from video games as an analogy, which promptly went right over everyone's head and didn't help my case at all So here's my question - Is it possible that people who play video games and people who play BBox are two demographics so distant that there just is no overlap whatsoever? Am I the only one?!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I use BB but I don't play video games.... does that help?
The most recent video game I own is the Microsoft Flight Simulator that still as the World Trade Center Towers in downtown Manhattan. They removed them from the next version. I haven't flown that simulator in twenty years now. As a licensed pilot, it's one thing to jump in a plane and fly somewhere and spend an hour doing that... it's another thing totally to do that same flight in a simulator sitting in a chair at a desk waiting for the miles to tick away.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I don't think so, isn't forum member Allanah an avid gamer.
I tend to dip in myself often but mainly on VR (Quest 2) all the time these days, though I am no dedicated gamer, most of the time not finishing the game, especially if its fairly difficult.
Still enjoy it though, just tried Assassins Creed VR (got to mission 10 before I got fed up with it as was not helping my eyesight) so have moved on now to Peaky Blinders VR. So far its enjoyable.
Eyesight is not good which is a factor (Nystagmus) but still you have to work with what you have.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
No, you are not the only one. Not only do I play video games I wrote a couple for the Bally Astrocade video game's user group. I also did a golf game for the Atari computer system, but both of those were years ago. Now on occasion I will play a couple of Wii games, mainly hockey or pinball.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I have to confess that I've never played a video game in my entire life. Not that there's anything wrong with video games. I'm getting the picture that there is no definite connect or disconnect between video games and BiaB users.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I've been playing video games since the old Atari and before that on arcades with Space Invaders and Asteroids and even Pong. Nowadays I play FPS games on the computer as well as other types.
Another thing which brought on this thread is when I heard this:
Now, I instantly recognised the game this song is from, because I've played it - and I also instantly recognised the BBox style that's clearly been used in it, because I've played it
And that made me wonder just how many people would be able to make that claim, which I still remain convinced is - hardly anyone!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Is it possible that people who play video games and people who play BBox are two demographics so distant that there just is no overlap whatsoever? Am I the only one?!
Before my health took a nose dive and I couldn’t pass my flight physical, I had a private pilot’s certification and flew Cessna 172, 182, and 336 routinely. Now the only way that I can get my flying fix is with MSFS and a set of Varjo Aero VR. The only other games that I play are some of the old WWII submarine simulations.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
<...snip...> So here's my question - Is it possible that people who play video games and people who play BBox are two demographics so distant that there just is no overlap whatsoever? Am I the only one?!
The last video game I played was “Pong” on my Atari computer. It got boring quite quickly. Of course, the games are much better now, but I have other things I'm more interested in doing in my play time.
So FWIW, count me in the group that plays music, but not video games.
I do enjoy playing a few games occasionally with my children. Mario Kart is lots of fun. Personal all time favorites are Tetris, Sonic, Mario, Street Fighter, Soul Calibur, and a few more. I am not a gamer, but would play once a week for half an hour or so.
One of the last games that really hooked me is actually on mobile devices / phones called Brain It On. It's a puzzle, but of very different kind. It makes you think outside the box (I am not talking about BIAB). Pretty cool brain exercising app. Levels could last as little as a few seconds. Great time waster if you are standing in line or waiting for bus, etc. I urge those who like logic games to try it. I think first 20 levels are free and than it is only couple of dollars to buy full version. Runs on Android, iphone and their tablet counterparts.
I do enjoy playing a few games occasionally with my children. Mario Kart is lots of fun. Personal all time favorites are Tetris, Sonic, Mario, Street Fighter, Soul Calibur, and a few more. I am not a gamer, but would play once a week for half an hour or so. .......................................
Misha, I want to thank you for naming me as one of your favorites
Ducking and running for cover.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I could say I'm an avid gamer. Lately, I've been playing 7 Days to Die. Any other players around here? My friends and I set up a private server through 7d2d.net for just $6/month, and we have some slots free. If anybody wants to join, PM me.
Years ago I was an Atari Tech fixing the game machines and computers all the way up through the Atari ST series which I was introduced to MIDI on it because it was the only computer with a built in MIDI interface at the time. I did play lots of games on the Commodore 64 and Atari. In the 90's I got hooked on the PC version of the Tomb Raider Series with Laura Croft. I still love Red Dead Redemption 2 today and I find some of these high end graphics are mind blowing. It seems like yesterday I was playing with 8 bit pixel graphics and now the latest 3D Unreal Engine stuff. I have always loved high tech whether music or computer stuff.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen
I used to be. I had a ton of games for my Atari ST computers. I even programed a couple of games for the Bally video game. A football game I did was published. I also did a golf game for the Atari but I didn't submit it for publication. I found out that those funny looking plugs on the Atari ST would allow me to record music so I purchased a keyboard and started on my MIDI journey.
{edit} I do have a WII and I still play pinball on it. I was a real pinball wizard back in the day. I still love real pinball games.
Last edited by MarioD; 01/07/2504:29 PM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
That's really cool Mario, that is how I got hooked into MIDI myself. I did not know you programmed games!!! I went to Nevada Gaming and Technology school in Las Vegas to learn how to work on Poker, Slots and gaming machines. Included in my courses was Video Arcade, Jukeboxes and Pinball machines. I got to work on them old Bally Pinball machines and others in school. It was a lot fun. The strange thing is I never did go into the Casino trade. I ended playing music for some time and then moved to Arkansas and went to work for Xerox, Canon, and Sharp till I retired a few years back.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen
Having gotten my private pilot license as a younger man I have always been fascinated with flight. Not having the deep pockets and discretionary income necessary to rent, let alone own an airplane, I was forced to go with flight simulation. As far as games on a computer go, I've spent a lot of time with Microsoft Flight Simulator and a couple of other flight sims that put me in the cockpit of the worlds most advanced military fighters.
Funny story.... My oldest daughter also got into the MS flight sim. I had the 2000 version. One day I walked in and my daughter was flying a heavy jet. She was flying around New York City.... Straight ahead were the twin towers. Yep..... Plowed right into one of them. I thought to myself, where did I go wrong? But she turned out ok in the end. My daring outlaw flying consisted of flying a Lear under the Hudson bridges.
Aside from those and a brief period of fascination with solitaire and pinball, I don't really spend time with games. I've never gotten into the multiplayer games online. Not ever to check it out.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
It's probably no surprise to most of you that I'm a gamer (as well as being both a BB user and musician) and I've written music and done sound design for games too. These days I mostly play Zelda or Souls style games, but I have a soft spot for RPG's.
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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