Year 1 - P1 - Unit 73: Sound for Computer Games

Level 3 Games Design
Unit 73: Sound for Computer Games
P1/Aims: To Understand Sound Design Theory

Gaming Music/FX:

1. Uncharted 4 - For Better or Worse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXxGbcsLhcM

This specific song was chosen as a theme for the main character Nate and his wife Elena. The song was used to show the aftermath of the couples argument and the feeling of how even though they argued they both forgave each other in the end. It also shows how they both felt regret towards what they did. The way it created its mood and atmosphere made it work really well and effectively, also it  is used in a scene that is many peoples favourite, mine included. The choice was a good one and I could not change it.

2. Undertale - Your Best Nightmare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7bgLkdEFAE

The indie developer of the game (Toby Fox) chose this song as to add tension to this part of the game. It is used in possibly the strangest and most unexpected scene of the game which is definitely added to with the piece of music. It sounds like a mix of many different songs showing its variety and randomisation of mood however with its dark undertones we are drawn into the shadows and excitement. The music choice definitely added to the battle making it seem much more hyped up and important than it really was and made losing much harder to deal with. I would not change the music for Undertale as its variety shows its strength.

3. Life is Strange - The Sense Of Me by Mud Flow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqxqC4xrDfQ&index=17&list=PLZlppmGv_GIKfcd4t6odoAB9a7aUBMBZi

Much like the rest of Life is Strange this song has a chilled out vibe which focuses on the bright and smooth artistic style and the calm aesthetic. Although it fits with the calm feeling it definitely adds to the eeriness of the pure undisturbed gameplay. The music fits amazingly and creates the perfect ambience and I feel it was the best track they could've chosen.

4. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle - City Escape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLKVkH8dtWs

Compared to the other games and music its definitely more lighthearted and happy than the others. The track was chosen because this part of the game is very fast pace and needs an engaging but not distracting background sound. The track is a lot of peoples favourite as its very catchy and is the perfect pace to start of the game and level with. I definitely would not change anything about the chosen track as it's such a significant factor in the game.

5. Outlast - Main Menu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEjn63QGL-s&list=PL1caomPZ-YkrT0nIHF2SxTpJ2STZS0uJ0

As this is a horror a game it definitely has the most chilling and eerie soundtrack of them all. Although this track is not used in any specific gameplay it definitely sets the mood for the ride ahead, and not only that but puts you on the edge of your seat within the first few minutes. Its quite a boring track but like any other main menu it doesn't really need that much lyrical content. I would not change anything major about the track apart from making it slightly longer.

Why is music and sound FX so important within games development?

Most people who don't play video games tend to know their classic sounds, this may be anything from the Crash Bandicoot theme tune to the sound of Mario gaining a power up. Having this extra audience creates extra interest in the game therefore, the game and any merch can grow in sales. The music itself can create and destroy an entire game by not setting the right mood or atmosphere. A horror game needs a dark and chilling soundtrack that changes tempo in suspenseful situations whereas, a game like upbeat game like Undertale needs a happy and fast paced soundtrack with some slower and calmer tracks. Something as simple as a gunshot can create a whole other element to a game so you know that you just shot a gun and a sound for a death alert.

What is waveform?

Wavelength - The length at the bottom of a sound wave, its the point from one wave to another.

Amplitude - The amplitude is the maximum interference from its undisturbed position. It's not necessarily the distance from the bottom to the top of the wave.

Frequency - The number of waves produced each second also as the number of waves that pass a certain point each time.

What is pitch?

The highness or lowness of a tone. A high tone has a high pitch and a low tone has a low pitch.

What is Hertz (Hz)?

Is the unit of frequency and is defined as one cycle per second.

What is Decibel level (dB)?

It is used to measure sound level. It is a way of describing a ratio, this may be power, sound pressure, intensity, voltage etc. The louder the sound the higher the decibel measurement.

What is a sound generator ?

A vibrating object which produces a sound, in gaming its a computer or console that generate it. After it is generated the sound is then produced by a speaker.

What is Foley?

Reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to a game or media which enhance the quality of audio.

What is Timbre?

Distinguished by pitch, loudness and quality. It describes these characteristics which allow the ear to differentiate sounds that have the same pitch and loudness.

References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa_pre_2011/radiation/anintroductiontowavesrev2.shtml
http://monkeyhammergamingsound.weebly.com/sound-generator-loudspeaker.html
http://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/jw/dB.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foley_(filmmaking)
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Sound/timbre.html