Video Game Audio

Video games are widely played across the world, with hundreds and thousands of options to choose from. Nonetheless, when we think of a video game, there are are usually a few franchises that jump to our minds immediately; Mario, Call of Duty, the Wii Series, etc. But why do have games in particular grown so popular?

The best selling video games have always had powerful user experiences. With top-notch audio-visuals, a compelling narrative, and the game being challenging while still rewarding make the user constantly come back for more.

One aspect of the audio-visual component is the use of sound in video games. Poor sound (or no sound) can ruin an otherwise spectacular game, and can make it hard for a player to understand the context and storyline of the narrative. So in what ways can we use sound in a game?

Different Ways to Use Sound in Video Games

Contextual Sound

The first and arguably most important type of sound in video games is contextual sound. Most games are full of this because it’s necessary to give the gamer an understanding of the actions they are performing and how it affects the game.

As an example, here’s a video of a user breaking a tree. The sound effects provide context to what they’re doing and help enhance the user experience.

Mood/Atmospheric Sound

This type of sound is incredibly important because it sets the ambiance for the scene. This may be eerie sounds that make the player feel fear or playful sounds that can ease tension. Most games have many different moods in different levels or parts of the game, so atmospheric sounds can change.

Below is a sample of sounds from Doom 3. It adds so much to the user experience. That feeling of danger and uncertainty wouldn’t be possible without the soundtrack in the background.

Focus Sound

While the contextual sound is incredibly significant, focus sound reminds the player of the focus of the game. It is incredibly persuasive because it draws attention to why they are doing something.

One example of well-done focus sound is from Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The game constantly reminds the player of the enemies that are chasing them, adding to the experience and giving the player motivation to continue playing.

Game Music

Including music and a soundtrack to a game can help invoke a mood for the game. Most video games have a soundtrack or “main theme” that can help the user feel so many different ways; being pumped up to fight an enemy, feeling uneasy and scared, or having a sense of reward after finishing a level.

Main themes of video games can help a player feel “at home” when playing the game. Soundtracks are so specific to certain games that they can add to the sense of loyalty a user has when playing a game. For example, many users who have played Final Fantasy may recognize its soundtrack.

How Are Sound Effects Created?

Unlike film scores, audio in video games is interactive, meaning that it is only played when a user performs an action. This may be collecting an object or maneuvering through the game. This means the sounds must be programmed, and samples must be implemented within the code. Different aspects of sound are worked on in different stages of development.

Creation

Larger developers usually create or commission artists to create their soundtracks. This is a huge part of the audio development process. Creation can involve recording, mixing, mastering, and editing tracks. For example, Mojang used real sounds from pandas in China to add to the mob’s sound in Minecraft.

Technical

This is where most of the programming happens. Developers will use tracks that have been created to define how and when audio is triggered. Using the environment of the game, they define what causes audio tracks to be be played.

An awesome tutorial for this using Javascript for can be found here.

Game audio is incredibly useful to overall user experience. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for another post on the psychology behind film and video game audio.

Resources:

• The evolution of audio in videogames. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2020, from https://www.acmi.net.au/ideas/read/evolution-audio-videogames/
• Crecente, B. (2014, September 08). Why video game sound is so powerfully bonding. Retrieved June 26, 2020, from https://www.polygon.com/2014/9/8/6121809/why-video-game-sound-is-so-powerfully-bonding
• Is Game Audio Really 50% of the Experience: Somatone. (2016, March 23). Retrieved June 26, 2020, from https://www.somatone.com/game-audio-50-percent/