Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
When we sit down to play a video game, sound isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, we’re focused on the game we’re playing. If it’s a turn-based RPG, we’re busy preparing for our next turn and figuring out how we’ll beat the enemy. If we’re playing a puzzle game, we’re likely focused on how we can solve the puzzle so we can advance to the next level. It’s easy to forget that whatever game genre we’re playing, the music playing in the background is just as important as the graphics we watch on the screen.
In an adventure game, the crackling of leaves in the distance can give us a clue that an enemy is approaching, or a sudden shift from calm to tense music lets us know that we’ve entered an important part of the game. All of these sounds make the gaming experience much more meaningful than if we were to play these titles with visuals alone. In this article, we look at the importance of sound design to the gaming experience.
Setting the Atmosphere
Online casinos have brought the Vegas experience to our computers and mobile devices. When you step into one of these virtual platforms, you’ll notice the selection of games and the state-of-the-art visuals. What you might overlook is the music playing in the background, which makes it feel like you’ve really stepped onto the casino floor in a brick-and-mortar establishment. From the time a player sits down to spin the reels on a progressive slot like Mega Moolah NZ, they’re greeted with different sound effects, including ambient sounds that mimic the African jungle and animal noises like bird calls. The sound design is meant to create a sense of adventure that immerses players in the game.
In an action-adventure game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the sound design takes what is already an outstanding gaming experience to an even higher level. The game’s sound effects warn you in a very subtle way when there’s a fight on the horizon, and the orchestral crescendos let you know you’re about to discover something special. In horror games like the Resident Evil series, the sounds have a different role and are designed to create a sense of impending doom as players move through creaking doors, and unsettling whispers create an atmosphere filled with tension and fear.
Enhancing Gameplay Mechanics
Sound design has a role in games besides setting the mood; it also plays an important part in improving gameplay mechanics. As we touched on above, specific sounds in a game can clue the player in on what’s about to happen, such as an approaching enemy or a power-up nearby. Fortnite is one of the best examples of how this works, with spatial audio alerting players to the direction of footsteps and gunfire, giving them a chance to respond to threats that aren’t yet visible on the screen. This directional sound gives players an opportunity to employ a bit of strategy beyond what they’d be able to if they had to rely solely on visual cues.
All video games give players audio feedback on their actions, such as a clinking sound when they pick up an item or the sound of a weapon reloading. These sounds let you know you’ve performed the task correctly so you can move on to whatever awaits you next. In strategy games and shooters, directional audio gives players real-time feedback that aids them in tactical decision-making and makes the gameplay more fluid.
These audio cues also play a big part in the emotional connection a player feels to a game. In The Last of Us, the orchestral scores are used to highlight the game’s most important moments, making players feel a deeper connection to the characters and their struggles.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.
