Game Machine Sound Production

 

Sound is an important part of any game. It can convey a lot of information about the environment, the characters, and even the mood of the game. It can also be a powerful tool for creating a sense of immersion and realism. It’s no wonder that game developers often strive for an auditory cinematic quality. However, it’s important not to overuse stock sounds that make the game too recognizable. Instead, it’s better to try to create the SFX yourself or use them as a starting point and then add your own unique twist to them.

Historically, voice, sound effects and music have served many purposes in coin-operated machines, from novelty, attracting attention or eliciting a Pavlovian response to signaling wins or cheaters. These functions continued through the electro-mechanical era and into the early days of video games.

The first video game consoles and home computers had synthesiser chips that could produce sound effects and music. These chips were limited in their capacity, but it was enough to get the ball rolling for a new kind of audio experience.

By the time graphical computing had developed to the point where the first multi-level, interactive games were produced, there was a growing desire to add more to the gaming experience. This was especially true for the music portion of the experience. By the time the 1981 classic arcade game Frogger was released, it had eleven different gameplay tracks as well as level-starting and game over themes.

These types of sounds are still used in 効果音　サウンド制作 modern gaming, but they have expanded to include more dynamic sfx and full-length orchestral music. The addition of more detailed music and sfx allows players to more fully immerse themselves in the game, creating a deeper connection with the characters and story.

In general, sound production is a very iterative process. Each asset is carefully analyzed and then edited using various software programs to improve the overall sound quality. This can be done through balancing the depths and frequency responses, as well as by polishing and colorizing specific sounds. For example, sounds that are too harsh or piercing can be softened using a program like Fabfilter Pro which allows you to listen to individual frequencies on the spectrum.

With each iteration, the goal is to achieve a more realistic and engaging experience. This is accomplished through a variety of techniques including spatialization, more nuanced frequency and timbre changes, digital signal processing effects like reverbs and echoes, and more. The end result is a more immersive and compelling experience that will keep gamers coming back for more. Somatone is the world’s #1 provider of game audio production, services and technical implementation for Mobile, PC, Console and XR platforms. Our team of experienced sound designers, composers and VO producers have worked on over a thousand games, providing the highest level of service with speed, efficiency and technical savvy. We have helped to elevate the emotional experience of millions of gamers with our industry-leading game audio production.