No Show 2012 - Holly Tatnall - The Importance of Game Audio (and How to Make Yours Better)
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(and How to Make Yours Better) The Importance of Game Audio
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In this talk, the importance of quality music and audio design in immersive game environments will be explored, while taking a look at some successful video game worlds. Building audio creation into development pipelines will also be discussed, including the typical lack of attention paid to quality music and audio design. Additionally, tips will be shared for effectively communicating with composers and audio contractors.
Transcript of No Show 2012 - Holly Tatnall - The Importance of Game Audio (and How to Make Yours Better)
(and How to Make Yours Better)
The Importance of Game Audio
Who Is This Chiquita? What Is Her Background?
Credits
Audio Crash Course
• character sound effects
• world ambience
• object sound effects
• user interface (UI) / menu sounds
Sound Design
• theme music
• menu music
• background / world music
• cinematic scoring
Music / Soundtrack
• on-screen characters
• narrative lines
• cinematic script
Voice-Overs
Angry Birds
For teh
Winz
* all content captured
from You Tubezzz
Asteroids
Space Invaders
Pac-Man
Frogger
Super Mario Bros
Little Big Planet 2
Super Meat Boy
Sword & Sworcery
For teh
Failz
* all content captured
from You Tubezzz
The Attention Disparity Between
Good Visuals and Good Audio
You’ve Only Got 2/5 Senses
X X X
• Detracts from uniqueness of your awesome game
• If it’s good, other developers are using it, too
• Potential revenue loss on custom audio
Stock Sound Effects
or Music Tracks
Audio Magic
Doesn't Happen
Overnight
• Make audio part of
your budget
• Set on art style?
Time to plan audio.
• Not sure how to
plan/budget for audio?
• Research, research, research
• Good, expensive tools ≠ great audio
• It takes time3 to learn to use your tools well
• Audio pros have more experience
The Pitfalls of
Doing Audio Yourself
• Less return
• Need to fix screwups
= wasted time (and energy!)
Cutting Corners Can Cost Cash
Etty-Quette
With Your Audio Ex-pert
• Do hire a consultant if you need help
• Don’t expect free consulting
• Do your research
• Do have an idea about what you need
• Do budget and Do plan ahead
• Do put your agreement in writing
• Do expect to pay for revisions
• Don’t be vague about compensation
• Do be upfront with the type of budget
you’re working with
• Do be specific about the pay rate
o per deliverable (amount of work)
o per time (amount of hours)
Dollah Dollah Billz Y'all
• A sample is worth a bazillion words
• Be very specific about needs n' deadlines
• Have your materials ready
Gettin' Them Deliverables Delivered
•Budget your time and money wisely to put out the best product possible
•Don’t forget that having good audio is a huge part of putting out a professional, polished game
•Have reference materials ready for your contractor when you sign an agreement
