2. Designing Sound
for Games in China
Yang Jie
Virtuos Games

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 1
What is Sound Design?

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Building China’s Game Audio Capabilities3
Building China’s Game Audio Capabilities

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Q&A time

21. Thanks for your time!