What is Level Design?
What is Sound Design?
Video game soundtracks are music that accompanies video games. In the past, video game music was limited to the simple sounds of programmable sound generator (PSG) chips. These limitations led to the musical style known as chiptune and became the most popular sound in early video games.
With advances in technology, video game music has grown to include elements and sounds from other musical styles. Although chiptune compositions are still common, game soundtracks now include full orchestral pieces and popular music. Music in video games can be heard during gameplay as well as through the game’s title screen and menus. Game soundtracks can also change depending on a player’s actions or status, such as indicating missed actions in rhythm games, informing the player that they are in a dangerous situation, or rewarding for certain achievements.
Video game music can be of two types: original or licensed. To create this music, teams of composers, music directors and music supervisors, game developers and game publishing companies must work together. The popularity of video game music has also created educational and job opportunities, created new rewards, and led to video game soundtracks being sold commercially and played in concerts.
Academic Trainings
Video game soundtracks have become part of the curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels at many traditional universities. According to the Entertainment Software Association, there are more than 400 schools in the United States that offer courses and degrees in video game design, many of which include sound and music design. Berklee College of Music, Yale University, New York University, and the New England Conservatory of Music have added game music to their music programs. These programs offer comprehensive training in music composition, orchestration, arrangement and production.
Similar programs have gained popularity in Europe. Utrecht School of Art (Faculty of Art, Media and Technology) has been offering the Game Audio and Music Design program since 2003. The University of Hertfordshire has a program in Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games, Leeds Beckett University has a program in Music for Sound and Interactive Games.
Effect and Importance
Many video game players believe that music can enhance gameplay, and outlets such as Popular Science have explained that music is “designed to simultaneously stimulate your senses and tune into the background of your brain.”
It is believed that in-game sound effects also affect game performance. In games like Resident Evil, ambient sounds appear to increase the tension felt by players. Speeding up sound effects and music in games like Space Invaders is also noted to have a strong impact on the gaming experience when done properly. When done properly, this can help create realism in virtuality and alert players to important scenes and information.
