Game Development Essentials An Introduction

Chapter 9 Audio creating the atmosphere

Key Chapter Questions ■ Why is audio an important aspect of game development? ■ How are voiceovers, sound effects, and music used effectively in a game? ■ What is the difference between looping and adaptive music? ■ How is game composing different from film scoring? ■ What are the different formats and tools used in game audio?

Importance of Game Audio Atmosphere/mood Gameplay cues Heighten player satisfaction Enhance quality of a game Immersion Reinforce interface Convey physical/tactile sensation

Game Audio Formats FM (frequency modulation) synthesis MOD (module) Wave table synthesis Tracked audio MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) Sampled audio DLS (downloadable sounds)

FM Synthesis The Yamaha DX7 synthesizer uses FM synthesis to generate sounds from mathematical data associated with sound waves.

Samplers The Fairlight CMI (expensive hardware-based pioneer), Emu E4 (modular unit), and Gigastudio (software) represent three different eras in sampling tools.

DLS2 Microsoft’s DirectMusic Producer—which supports DLS2—is a popular tool used by game audio professionals because it allows for game-specific dynamic audio creation.

Redbook Audio Redbook Audio is used for commercial games distributed on CDs.

Sound Effects Feedback & cues Timing Warning Event-based Foley Sound libraries Unique identity

Voiceovers Spoken dialogue & narration Out of context Multiple versions Actors work solo Voice actor Michael Yurchak

Music Sets the tone Provides cues Score vs. song Game vs. film scoring Temp track infatuation Music libraries Looping vs adaptive music No standardized tools Most deals are buyouts Game music remixes

Music Soundtracks are recorded in a home recording studio (Aaron Marks’ depicted) or a professional recording studio (Ron Jones conducting).

Summary Importance of game audio Game audio formats Sound effects Voiceovers Music