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'Press Start!': A Video Game Music Symposium 2027

Posted: 09/21/2026

Contents

About

The University of North Texas Music Library is pleased to announce “Press Start!”: A Video Game Music Symposium, taking place March 12–13, 2027, at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.

The symposium will bring together scholars, industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts to share research, creative work, and experiences related to music and sound in video games. In-person registration will be required to attend, and presentations will also be streamed live for those unable to join us in Denton.

Following the success of our inaugural symposium in 2022, we are excited to bring “Press Start!” back to UNT for 2027.

Call for Proposals

We are accepting proposals for presentations on all aspects of sound and music in video games. Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly encouraged.

Possible topics include but are not limited to: composition and sound design; interactive and adaptive music; music and narrative; game audio technology and production; history and preservation; libraries and archives; performance and arrangement; teaching and pedagogy; fandom and community; and industry practices.

We accept proposals for the following formats:

  • Presentation: Speakers will be given 30 minutes each - 20 minutes for presentation, 10 minutes for discussion, or
  • Lightning Talk/Presentation: Speakers will be given 10 minutes each – 5 minutes for question.
  • Posters: Posters will be displayed throughout the event, and presenters will be scheduled for a Poster Session time slot in the program for open discussion with the audience.
  • Workshop: Presenters will be given 60 minutes for an interactive or hands-on session that provides attendees with opportunities to learn, explore, or develop skills related to video game music and sound. Workshops may include demonstrations, guided activities, collaborative exercises, or other participatory formats. Please describe the planned activities and any technology, equipment, or materials needed in your proposal.

Proposals of no more than 500 words should be submitted using the form below as a single PDF file or Microsoft Word document (.doc, .docx) by Friday, November 13th, 2026.

Submission Form

Proposals will undergo anonymous review. Please do not include your name, institutional affiliation, or other identifying information in the proposal document. Presenter information will be collected separately through the submission form. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance into the program by November 30th, 2026.

Limited need-based travel funding may be available to accepted presenters. Additional information about eligibility and the application process will be provided with acceptance notifications.

Program / Schedule

The full symposium program and schedule will be announced following the proposal review process.

Registration Information

Registration for Press Start! 2027 is not yet open. Additional information, including registration dates and fees, will be posted here as it becomes available.

Venue

“Press Start!” 2027 will be held on the University of North Texas campus in Denton, Texas. Additional venue and check-in information will be announced soon.

Transportation and Parking

Nearby airports include:

  • Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Parking @ UNT: Parking details will be made available closer to the event.

Getting Around Denton: The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) provides rail and bus services through Denton and surrounding areas. More information can be found on the DCTA website.

Hotel Information

A symposium hotel block has not yet been established. In the meantime, attendees may wish to explore the following nearby accommodations.

Information about any symposium hotel blocks or discounted rates will be posted here as it becomes available.

Explore Denton, TX

Denton is home to a vibrant music, arts, and food scene centered around the historic Downtown Denton Square. Attendees looking for restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, live music, and other things to do during their visit can explore recommendations through Discover Denton!

Contact information

For information or inquiries regarding this event or the “Press Start!” Symposia series, please email our team at Press.Start@unt.edu