The design and implementation of sound, voice and music in video games

The non-print media project The Design and Implementation of Sound, Voice and Music in Video Games is designed to inform collegiate and trade school graduates in related fields of study on the common practices and processes employed by audio professionals in the video game industry, in addition to introducing a set of standard software tools used to design, edit and implement audio into video games. While audio-related curriculums provide a fundamental understanding of sound engineering and recording practices, there remains a dearth of information and general instruction on how these core competencies can be made applicable for use in the game industry. This project endeavors to fill that perceived gap, and provides a jumping off point to further individual study for the aspiring professional interested in a career in the field of game audio. The project consists of eight narrative video tutorials that collectively span approximately one hour and forty minutes in length. The tutorials should be watched in numerical order, as concepts introduced in earlier segments will be revisited and built upon as the project progresses. All examples of music composition, voice work, level design, system design and sound design are original. The project shifts focus back and forth between the Unreal Development Kit (and its propriety sound engine) and FMOD Designer 2010 (an audio middleware sound engine), effectively comparing and contrasting two industry standard audio implementation environments. Finally, the project demonstrates the value of approaching audio implementation in games as an essential and creative form of design.