Designing Sound for Games in China Yang Jie Virtuos Games

About Yang Jie Audio Director – Virtuos Games Over 10 years of experience as a game sound designer One of the first audio specialists at Ubisoft Shanghai Apple-certified Audio Trainer Founder: BSP Sound Studio (now part of Virtuos Games)

About Virtuos Games One of China’s largest independent game studios - offices in Shanghai, Chengdu, Paris and Vancouver 3D Art, Software Engineering, Codevelopment and Sound Engineering services Experience with 14 of the top 20 game developers Experienced developers from 10 nationalities

1 What is Sound Design?

What does a sound designer do? The sound performance quality for a project. - The bridge between hearing and samples Creates a systemized sound production plan Integrates sound with the game and delivers a polished product Talented sense of acoustic and psy-acoustic audio Skills with sound production and digitized audio

The impact of good sound design Improves sound quality by understanding and efficiently utilizing the game sound engine Improves the creative polish of the game by ensuring sound diversity and harmony Improves production efficiency with systematic production plans and detailed technical requirements Improves game performance with smart data management protocols

Understanding The Sound Engine Sound Designer’s main tool Dictates the technical and logistical needs of the project Gives sound robust texture Engine effects give sound their texture Allows efficient project planning Smart use of effects means fewer samples will be needed

Chinese players don’t care about game sound? 2 Chinese players don’t care about game sound?

Great sound – players know it when they hear it Customers are always learning New games are constantly advancing players’ expectations Who will teach them to appreciate the next level of great sound design? Different cultures hear differently Cultural expectations for sound and music are not the same in China as in Western markets

What is different – China Online Games Longer, steady player experiences Designed to be played all day Designed for a wide range of demographics Sounds should be magical and hypnotic Western Console Games Shorter, high-impact experiences Fewer hours per day spent playing Specific targeted audience demographics Sounds aim for realism and emotion

Great sound – benefits the whole game Great sound improves the game experience A game with great sound may be perceived as more engaging or immersive Fresh, unique sound differentiates your game Personality is key in the crowded game market Makes efficient use of the sound engine Great sound does not need to be tech-intensive Sample quality is not the same as in-game quality

Building China’s Game Audio Capabilities 3 Building China’s Game Audio Capabilities

Sound Design in China Today Many China developers have no dedicated sound team Programmers, artists and musicians fill in Difficult to recruit sound teams in China China has no formal training Most sound teams need workflow improvements Process controls and risk planning

Training Solutions Junior: Senior: Virtuos’ Three-Level Training Technical training Sound Engine training and technical communication Workflow training Effective project planning and risk awareness Junior: Assists on sound projects Senior: Develops creative solutions Develops creative vision and production strategy Advanced: Virtuos’ Three-Level Training

Essential steps for improving game sound Start with a solid plan The Creative vision: how will sound contribute to the game Technical understanding of the sound engine

Essential steps for improving game sound Give each sound proper attention Gameplay purpose Emotional purpose Cohesion with the game

Essential steps for improving game sound Use quality sound sources Find a good sound production outsource partner Purchase commercial sound libraries Record and create your own in-house library

Takeaways Sound design is important to all games! Hire good Sound Designers, train them well, and give them the freedom to create Know your sound engine Start every project with a clear creative vision and a detailed technical plan

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