Unit 73: Sound for Computer Games

Unit 73: Sound for Computer Games

Psychology of sound

Timbre

In music, timbre also known as tone color or tone quality from psychoacoustics, is the quality of a musical note, sound, or tone that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as voices and musical instruments, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion instruments. The physical characteristics of sound that determine the perception of timbre include spectrum and envelope.

List at least 3 games (or films)

- Jaws

- Assassin’s Creed

- Super Mario Bro’s

Audio Atmosphere

3D audio - 3D audio is improved surround sound technology. It features sound that not only plays from in front and behind, but also beside, and even above/below. 3D audio can be used with headphones, which act as surround sound speakers, playing sound in one ear, where the sound is coming from.

Surround Sound - Surround sound has 5 or 7 speakers, set up around the room. This makes the sound come from the speakers behind or in front, depending on what sound is playing, and where the sound is coming from, in relation to the centre point (a person, or the middle of the screen etc). This gives an immersive experience from your own home.

Interactive adaptive sound - This is when music or sound effects adapt to the players inputs and gameplay. For example, the background music changes when the character stops exploring, and starts fighting etc. It also adapts to movement, for example, if you step on concrete to wood etc.