Sound plays a key role in the feelings we get while experiencing something. A scary movie would not be nearly as suspenseful if it were watched while muted- the shrieking background noises are preparing us for what is about to happen and builds up anticipation. If our phone does not play a tone when it is being plugged in, we check to see if it is really charging. If a credit card machine does not have buttons that make sounds, we are unsure that it is really registering our pin number. Countless actions in our day to day lives relate to sound, and in video games this is no different. Gaining points is significantly more satisfying if a sparkle sound appears, and we know that if a deeper noise appears, we probably are losing health.
We associate the tones of sounds with feelings we have and we relate them to positive or negative affects, or on a more broad spectrum- the idea of something working or not. A noise augmenting silence in a video game is strengthening both comprehension and interactive nature and makes the player want to engage more. All of these elements must be considered when creating a soundtrack for video games. What message is being conveyed? If the game requires you to herd sheep, a Celtic feel for background music and sheep baaing when a point is scored is more fitting than rock music in the background and a dog barking when a point is scored. Sound is the extension of visuals and must be treated with as much care, as the decisions made here have the power to completely redefine the lesson being taught in a final product.
We associate the tones of sounds with feelings we have and we relate them to positive or negative affects, or on a more broad spectrum- the idea of something working or not. A noise augmenting silence in a video game is strengthening both comprehension and interactive nature and makes the player want to engage more. All of these elements must be considered when creating a soundtrack for video games. What message is being conveyed? If the game requires you to herd sheep, a Celtic feel for background music and sheep baaing when a point is scored is more fitting than rock music in the background and a dog barking when a point is scored. Sound is the extension of visuals and must be treated with as much care, as the decisions made here have the power to completely redefine the lesson being taught in a final product.