Psychology of Sound

Unit 73: Sound for Computer Games

P1 Understand the use of Sound and Music in Games.

Nabeel Hajat

Psychology of sound

Speech

Speech in video games has been used for many things. The voices of characters or when you hear someone say ‘Game Over’ [1].

Iconography

In some games there is one sound that becomes recognisable throughout the series, to the point where everyone you know recognises it.

Two examples of this are the Metal Gear Alert [2] sound and the Mario jumping sound [3].

Symbolism

When you see a lightbulb appear over someone’s head that means they have an idea. The sound [4] that accompanies that scene is sound symbolism.

Examples

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Furs535ly94

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yGfQak-q9M

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrP-30MmpvM

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mWpW8oM3Tc

Definition of Timbre

In music, when two of the same instruments are playing, they both sound different from another. Even when they are being played with the same note and volume.

Timbre is caused by the fact that each note from a musical instrument is a complex tone containing more than one frequency.

Understanding Sound Design Theory

Understanding Sound Design Theory

• Final Fantasy Victory Fanfare [1]

This song was used to signify that you had won against any enemy in the game. This song works because it gives you a massive feeling of jubilation. I don't think I would want to change it with different music, its perfect as it is.

• Metal Gear Alert [2]

This sound is used to alert you to the fact an enemy has seen you and now you are exposed. This sound FX works because it makes almost jump out of your skin and give you a little shock. I don't want to change it because its so iconic that to change it would be gaming blasphemy.

• LOZ Chest Opening and Getting Item Sound [3]

These sounds are used to signify that you are opening a chest and retrieved the item inside. This sound FX works because the first part greatly builds up your anticipation on what's in the chest, while the second makes you feel like you received something important. To change it would be blasphemy.

• Mario Super Star Medley [4]

This song is used to signify that you are now invincible. This sound FX works because, now you don't have to worry about avoiding enemies and projectiles, you can just run through them. I don't think I would use any different FX. 

• Sonic Ring Gain and Loss Sound Effect [5]

These sounds are used to signify that you got a ring and lost all your rings. These sound FX work because, for the first one you know that you are one step closer to getting a higher level grade, while for the second you feel frustrated that you lost all your rings. I don't think I would use any different FX.

Examples
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]

Research
Music and FX gives life to the game, without those aspects the game is lifeless. With sounds in the game it helps you feel the atmosphere. As you progress through the game it also helps to feel the emotions in the game.

Sound Definitions

Waveform is a graphical representation of a shape showing the sound of signal movement. Here is an example below.

Pitch is the quality of sound that depends on high level tone of sound. 

Hertz is the frequency of the sound which shows the different cycles. And this leads to determine the pitch level.

Decibel Level determines where the sound is too loud or not. It is important when you set the correct Decibel Level that it is the correct level when recording sounds on music.

A Sound Generator is a object that produces sound.

Foley

Foley is making sounds that are added in post production in films and games. These sound made in studio with people using everyday objects or their own voices to make the sounds.