Game Development Essentials An Introduction

Chapter 9Audio

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