Music and sound design, not just in video games: the global impact
Often when we talk about a video game, we tend to emphasize all those interactive features and functionalities that make a product worthy of being played and considered real. Often, however, it is not highlighted how there are other components that make a game what it is, and above all that it is capable of communicating to the user what it should communicate. We are talking, in this case, of sound design and music. But what are the differences between these two components?
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Differences between sound design and sound
The sound design represents the system on which the game environment is built, that is, the information that the user receives about the actions and events that give their emotional contribution to the title. The sound design is also internal to the narration. The music, on the other hand, is part of everything that is external to the narrative, everything that gives rhythm to the game, which creates suspense and implication. In both cases, these are two relevant and fundamental components.
The Hellblade example
From the point of view of sound design, an example is represented by the video game Hellblade, produced by Ninja Theory, which has been so successful with users. The voices in Senua's mind provide information to the player that is crucial to continuing the game. When the sound, that is, makes a difference. In all genres, from horror to tps, fps and platforms, the sound element has a distinctive and relevant value: any type of masterpiece, without a soundtrack behind it, does not have the same value or the same importance.
The music, for its part, is inserted by the developers to stimulate a certain type of approach that confirms and supports the sensations of the users. The idea of adding a musical element behind a video game scene, be it a shooting, a chase, a dialogue of your choice, makes the game interactive, more real and, without a doubt, more exciting.
The music and narrative thread of the game
Over time the music has been changing and modifying and today it is established as a norm, to follow the development of a narrative thread while listening to a melody not directly related to the context of the game. And it is that music today is not only art, but a true garnish that also serves as a daily accompaniment. It is the case of the famous The Witcher 3, produced by CD Projekt RED, a box office success, in which the music was a true background accompaniment, even in “minor” phases of the game
Music in online casinos
Not only the video game industry, but also the gaming industry, particularly online slot machines, has put a lot of emphasis on sound design and music in strengthening slots and in that whole category. of online games. All this to make the game offer more attractive, but not only: attractive, emotional, full of adrenaline, while playing. An example is represented by the games offered by the casino platform StarVegas, the colossus of Greentube Malta, active in Spain since 2012. StarVegas, which today represents one of the online casino platforms most appreciated by users, has invested several resources in the development of the titles and the game software, which shows a perfect integration between music, sound design and gameplay.