SONGS from home-grown musicians - including budding singers - are making their way into video games here.

Since late last year, popular online music game Audition has been featuring music from established Singapore singers like JJ Lin, as well as newcomers.

The latest song, which was added in May, is an instrumental piece that was composed by a five-member band called Elyzia that was formed just last September. Ng Kok Khwang, marketing director of Asiasoft Online, said that more songs by Singapore musicians are being selected, although he was unable to give precise numbers.

The firm also encouraged Singaporeans to contribute their music to the game. One new singer that Asiasoft approached to contribute music to Audition was singer-actress Ming Bridges, 16, who is currently seen in the kids' detective drama, R.E.M. The Next Generation.

The singer, who is of British-Chinese descent, harbours dreams of stardom and admires singers such as Mandy Moore.

Ms Rhea Chong, the 26-year-old vocalist and keyboardist of the band Elyzia, said: 'Games are a good platform to show what musicians can do because many people play games.'

Elyzia submitted at least five original songs to Asiasoft when it realised Audition also featured non-mainstream songs. One of the band's songs was selected and Elyzia was also asked to compose more music for the game.

More games in Singapore could be featuring home-grown music as well.

The people behind the iGAMe technology platform - by Singapore game developer HGI Games and the Institute for Infocomm Research - are currently in talks with aspiring musicians to feature their music in games developed under the platform.

These developments tie in with the Media Development Authority's initiatives to develop video-game content here. For instance, its Media Education Scheme supports aspiring musicians and artists in furthering their studies so as to work in media companies in Singapore, including game companies. -- MYPAPER