Audio Considerations - leemet16/game-design-toolkit GitHub Wiki

Audio Quality vs. Video Quality ~1:57

Audio is important. As is discussed in the above video, if you need to choose between quality visuals and quality audio, go with the quality audio. Audio takes the visual environment and makes it real and immersive for the player. The art of creating the audio environment is called sound design. Next time you play a video game or watch a movie, turn the audio off. Think about your level of immersion while watching. Can you actually tell what is going on?

Audio can be used in a number of ways to help immerse the player. This can include:

  • background music;
  • ambient sound (background environment sound);
  • sound effects; and
  • dialogue (voice over).

Horror games and movies are great examples of how background music, ambient sound, and sound effects can be used to influence the emotions of the player/viewer. It can be said that excellent sound design is achieved when the player/viewer can close their eyes and be able to easily follow the story with just the audio.

Sound can also be used to provide "feedback" to the player. This can include sound for:

  • when an object has been interacted with;
  • for gaining or losing points;
  • for successful or unsuccessful actions; and
  • to indicate that the player is not able to perform a specific action.

How do you get started with sound? You have two main options: purchase or download free sound or record sound yourself. There are a number of websites where you can purchase sound or download sound for free. You can find them in the resources section on this wiki site.

Watch the video below to learn how to get started in recording your own sounds.

Video Game Sound Design Tutorial - How to Get Started in Sound Design ~4:27

ActivityFind Sounds!

Find at least five sounds that you are going to use in your game. In your Game Development Journal, describe what the sound is, and where and how you are going to use it. You can access some free resources here. Make sure to always consider copyright issues.

References

Akash Thakkar. (2016, July 17). Video Game Sound Design Tutorial - How to Get Started in Sound Design [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atw5HhcPc20

raindancecanada. (2014, December 10). Audio Quality vs. Video Quality [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PLMiA18tBc