Sea of Thieves turns to the hurdy-gurdy for period music

Creating that “authentic” pirate sound is a challenge for Sea of Thieves’ soundtrack. In a new Short Haul video, Composer Robin Beanland shows how he’s using a bizarre instrument called the hurdy-gurdy for some of the game’s music. It’s an odd instrument that is like a cross-breed between a violin and an organ grinder that produces a droning sound.

“As long as it’s believable that it exists in the universe, then that’s OK,” Beanland said. “I’m not trying to be historically accurate or anything. I just want it to be believable and sound gnarly and out-of-tune.”

Get a taste of what the hurdy-gurdy can offer after the break!