Interactive and Immersive Sound Design in Video Games: 8-bit to Adaptive Virtual Reality

Location

King Building 239

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-27-2019 4:00 PM

End Date

4-27-2019 5:20 PM

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the development of sound design and music compositions in video games. Starting with 8-bit sound design, this paper will cover the development of dynamic game audio and immersive sound design practices that made the memorable soundtracks of Pokémon, Pikmin, and Mother game series. As the most popular medium with adaptive sound, the difference between character and player are increasingly transparent. These features are now required in varying degrees by consumers for commercial success, especially within genres such as RPGs where open world immersion is crucial. This paper takes a look at the theory behind audio-visual sound design, and more specifically, methods of analysis for music/audio in a rapidly changing medium. Studying how sound designers and composers pushed technological and musical boundaries to create immersive environments will offer clarity for the future of game audio. With virtual reality increasing in popularity, sound designers need to create high quality soundscapes that enhance user experience while programmers and engineers must create audio engines suitable for what many credit to be the “future of gaming.”

Keywords:

sound design; game audio; composition; video games;

Notes

Session VI, Panel 17 - Computer | Simulation
Moderator: Jason Stalnaker, Associate Professor of Physics

Major

Musical Studies; Computer Science

Advisor(s)

Aurie Hsu, TIMARA
Roberto Hoyle, Computer Science

Project Mentor(s)

Aurie Hsu, TIMARA

April 2019

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Apr 27th, 4:00 PM Apr 27th, 5:20 PM

Interactive and Immersive Sound Design in Video Games: 8-bit to Adaptive Virtual Reality

King Building 239

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the development of sound design and music compositions in video games. Starting with 8-bit sound design, this paper will cover the development of dynamic game audio and immersive sound design practices that made the memorable soundtracks of Pokémon, Pikmin, and Mother game series. As the most popular medium with adaptive sound, the difference between character and player are increasingly transparent. These features are now required in varying degrees by consumers for commercial success, especially within genres such as RPGs where open world immersion is crucial. This paper takes a look at the theory behind audio-visual sound design, and more specifically, methods of analysis for music/audio in a rapidly changing medium. Studying how sound designers and composers pushed technological and musical boundaries to create immersive environments will offer clarity for the future of game audio. With virtual reality increasing in popularity, sound designers need to create high quality soundscapes that enhance user experience while programmers and engineers must create audio engines suitable for what many credit to be the “future of gaming.”