Sound for Games
This class involves sound acquisition, focusing on proper microphone and recording theory and techniques, the editing and manipulation of Dialogue, Music, and Sound Effects in a standard Digital Audio Workstation (ProTools), and implementation of all game sounds via standard Game Engines and Middleware (Unity, FMOD, etc.).
Topics covered include:
- Theory
- Microphones
- Meters
- Mixers
- Soundtrack aesthetics
- Practical
- Editing, Altering and Mixing of Dialogue, Backgrounds, Sound Effects, and Music elements
- Effective use of plugins: EQ, Dynamics, Reverb, Modulators
- Pro Tools, Unity operation
- Ear training (on going)
- Creation
- Recording of Voice Over and Dialogue
- Layering, blending, and transforming of Backgrounds and Sound Effects
- Intro to Music Composition
The candidate ...
Knowledge
- Knows how to select different microphones for use in different situations
- Knows how to identify subtle differences in the sonic texture of a sound
- Knows how to describe how elements combine to create a total effect
- Has insights into how to assess the sound needs of any particular game to enhance the player’s experience
- Has insights into how assess relative quality of recorded tracks through acquired critical listening skills (Ear training)
Skills
- Can capture usable dialogue and sound effects in a variety of field situations
- Masters how to operate Pro Tools or alternate digital audio workstation, to adequately construct elements of a sound design for a digital game
- Is able to record, edit, and mix dialogue, sound effects, backgrounds, and music elements
- Can alter sounds using sound shaping tools including EQ, Dynamics, and Reverb to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the soundtrack
- Can place sound elements in a game via game engine (Unity, FMOD)
General Competence
- Is able to make critical decisions in a time-constrained environment
- Is aware of how to create a sound plan and execute it, with enough flexibility to make last-minute changes and still maintain the integrity of the plan
- Is able to focus on details in a critical fashion
- Has experience with work in a task-specific way, yet within a larger group or dynamic
- Can adopt their own sense of artistic integrity, culminating in a style
Lectures, lab exercises and practical assignments
The learning activities will consist of lectures on theoretical material, including microphone, measurement, and oral theory, and lectures/demonstrations of practical application techniques. Relevant reading material and videos may be assigned throughout the course, to equip students with additional insight into the laboratory.
The lab will consist of the practical application of theoretical principles and instructional procedures, including instruction in the configuration and operation of Pro Tools or other DAWs, and the development of skills for sound editing, mixing, and exporting. Tasks will consist of various creation, editing, mixing, and implementation tasks.
Lab exercises may be conducted in groups, at the discretion of the instructors, to promote discovery and collaboration. Compulsory assignments and exams, however, will receive individual grades.
Classes will be conducted on-campus or online, or a combination of both. Instruction may be organized as weekly class or lab sessions, and/or as intensive block workshops with TA guided labs in between.
Teaching activity
- Mandatory attendance - attendance (80%) approved / not approved
- Work Requirements - 3 assignments, approved / not approved
Exam
- Portfolio, based on work requirements
Teaching activity must be approved in order to be graded in the course