Introduction
In this article, I will (have AI) explain the basics of sound and music in game development, and show you applications for creating them using both free and paid tools. The topics include:
- Soundtrack / music creation
- SFX (sound effects) / sound creation
- Ambient sounds / music
I would like to note that besides AI writing the article I have modified most of it myself but used an AI's suggestion(s) as guideline(s). Because, I'm a really really bad writer 😅.
If you spot any mistakes or see a topic or subject that is important but hasn't been talked about or something you would like to know, leave a reaction and I'll look into it.
I would also like to note that the only things you need to create any form of music or SFX are time, a microphone (or pre-sampled sounds), and an application to layer and eventually render/compose all the sounds. (Unless you are working with LPs, but that's another story.)
Music:
- Music is composed of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.
- It evokes emotions, tells a story, or provides entertainment.
- Often features instruments, vocals, and structured compositions.
- Examples include: background music in films, songs in albums, and instrumental tracks.
SFX (Sound Effects):
- Short, specific audio clips used to enhance actions, environments, or situations.
- Designed to simulate real or imagined sounds.
- Often used to support visual media by adding realism or emphasis.
Ambient Sounds / Music:
- Forms of sound or music used to create atmosphere or set a mood.
- Often low or high-pitched sounds or tracks with a consistent frequency.
Maybe, in the future I will make a seperate article on voice acting / voice-overs and natural sounds (sounds that are made by animals / nature).
Table of contents
- Soundtrack / music creation
- Differences between SFX and Sound design (By AI)
- SFX / sound creation / design
- Ambient sounds / music
- Applications and methods for music creation
- Applications and methods for SFX creation
- References and links for educational materials
- Final conclusion
- References and (external)sources
Soundtrack / music creation
Soundtrack and music creation are two different things. Both involve making music, but soundtracks are made to fit into movies, games, and other media. This means that they have to be more flexible.
Since this article is for game development, we'll talk about soundtracks and soundtrack creation. However, some tips might also help with regular music creation.
How soundtracks are made
To make a soundtrack for a game, movie, or series, you can follow these steps:
1) Understanding the game/movie/series:
- The composer first needs to fully grasp the story, characters, and atmosphere. This helps in creating music that complements/fits the gameplay and emotions.
2) The concept and theme development:
- Develop a concept or draft for the main themes and motifs. This could be a specific melody or rhythm that represents the game or certain characters.
3) Composing:
- Write or record the music using one of multiple techniques. A few composing techniques will be shown at the bottom of this chapter.
4) Integration with gameplay:
- Syncing the composed soundtracks to the game’s events. This might involve adaptive music that changes based on the player's actions, surroundings, or other specific cues.
5) Testing and tweaking the music:
- One of the most important steps. The music should fit the game’s atmosphere and not be repetitive or negatively impact the player's experience. Modify re-compose your soundtrack/music if necessary.
6) Finalizing:
- If necessary, compose a final piece that replaces the composition from step 3 with a cleaner or higher-resolution version after testing.
Note: The higher the resolution of the audio, the better because you can't upscale audio without any consequenses that lower the quality of the audio.
Composing techniques
Composing is a broad term that includes many different techniques and styles. You can compose music both digitally and manually (analog). The biggest difference is that when composing sounds digitally, you can have a direct preview, while composing manually requires you to play an instrument yourself.
Today, most people use a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller to sample and play sounds. This is a combination of both hardware and software that allows a composer to make music with an actual instrument and modify it digitally.
When recording analog sounds, you have to either modify the sound itself by tuning your instrument or altering the soundwaves through software solutions.
Like with many other things, you have both free and paid software for all these tasks. The benefit of paid music-creation software is that all the sounds that come with your software are licensed, meaning you can use them however you want. This isn't always the case with free software.
Additional Composing Techniques:
Leitmotif:
- Assign specific themes or motifs to characters, places, or ideas. For example, Darth Vader’s theme in Star Wars.
Layering:
- Build complexity by layering multiple instruments or sounds. Start with a basic melody and add harmonies, rhythms, and effects.
Variation:
- Use variations of a theme to keep the music interesting. This could be changing the rhythm, harmony, or instrumentation.
Orchestration:
- Decide which instruments will play which parts. This can dramatically change the feel of the piece.
Adaptive Music:
- Create music that changes dynamically based on player actions or game events. This involves composing multiple variations and transitions.
Counterpoint:
- Write independent melodies that work together harmoniously. This is often used in classical music.
Improvisation:
- Allow room for spontaneous creation. This is more common in jazz and live performances.
Sound Design:
- Incorporate unique, synthetic sounds created through sound design to add atmosphere and texture.
Recording a Composition
Recording a composition can be done in a few ways. You could:
Make and store a digital composition through different software packages.
Combine both digital and analog recordings and turn it into a digital composition.
Record instruments by playing them yourself or in a (small) group and then stack multiple recordings together to get a final composition.
Record an orchestra playing your composition (this requires a big budget).
Differences between SFX and Sound design (By AI)
Sound Effects (SFX) and sound design are closely related but differ in scope and application. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
Sound Effects (SFX)
Definition: Sound effects are specific audio clips used to enhance actions, environments, or situations in media such as games, movies, and television. They simulate real or imagined sounds to add realism or emphasis to visual content.
Examples of SFX:
- Footsteps
- Gunshots
- Door creaks
- Explosions
- Animal sounds
Purpose: The primary purpose of SFX is to create a more immersive and believable experience by providing auditory cues that complement the visual elements.
Creation: SFX can be recorded from real-world sources, created digitally, or sourced from sound libraries. They are often short and specific to particular actions or events.
Sound Design
Definition: Sound design is a broader and more holistic process that involves creating the overall soundscape for a piece of media. This includes not only individual sound effects but also the ambiance, mood, and audio aesthetics that support the narrative and emotional impact.
Examples of sound design:
- Designing the unique sounds of an alien environment
- Crafting the audio experience of a haunted house
- Creating the background ambiance of a bustling city
- Developing the sonic identity of a character or creature
Purpose: The purpose of sound design is to shape the auditory experience in a way that enhances storytelling, emotional engagement, and immersion. It considers the entire audio landscape and how various sounds interact and complement each other.
Creation: Sound design involves a combination of recording, synthesis, manipulation, and layering of sounds. It often requires creativity and experimentation to achieve the desired effect. Sound designers use tools like DAWs, virtual instruments, synthesizers, and plug-ins to craft unique sounds.
Summary: while SFX are individual sounds used to enhance specific actions or events, sound design encompasses the entire process of creating a cohesive and immersive audio experience for a piece of media. Both are crucial for making games and other media more engaging and realistic, but sound design goes beyond just effects to include the overall audio atmosphere and aesthetic.
SFX / sound creation / design
Sound effects are crucial in enhancing the immersive experience of a game. They add realism, emphasize actions, and create atmosphere. Here’s a guide to help you understand and create effective sound effects for your game:
How Sound Effects Are Made
To create sound effects for a game, follow these steps:
1. Identifying the Needs
Understand the game’s requirements by identifying where sound effects are necessary. This includes actions, environmental sounds, character movements, and more.
2. Recording or Sourcing Sounds
Recording:
Use a microphone to capture real-world sounds. This could be anything from footsteps to door creaks.
Consider using field recording techniques to capture environmental sounds like birds chirping or wind blowing.
Sourcing:
Use sound libraries to find pre-recorded sound effects. Websites like Freesound.org and SoundBible.com offer free and paid sounds.
3. Editing and Manipulating Sounds
Once you have the raw sounds, edit and manipulate them using audio editing software:
Trimming and Cutting:
Remove unwanted parts of the sound clip to get a clean effect.
Enhancing:
Use tools like EQ, reverb, and compression to enhance the sound.
Adjust pitch and speed to match the game’s requirements.
4. Integrating SFX into the Game
Ensure that the sound effects are integrated seamlessly into the game:
Syncing:
Synchronize sounds with in-game actions and events.
Use middleware like Wwise (from AudioKinetic) or FMOD for dynamic and adaptive audio.
Balancing:
Ensure that SFX levels are balanced with music and dialogue to avoid overwhelming the player.
5. Testing and Refining
Regularly test the sound effects within the game environment to ensure they fit well:
Player Feedback:
Gather feedback from playtesters to identify areas for improvement.
Iteration:
Continuously refine the sound effects based on feedback and testing results.
Tools and Software for SFX Creation
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
DAWs are essential for editing and producing sound effects. Some beginner-friendly options include:
Audacity:
A free, open-source DAW that is great for basic sound editing.
Reaper:
A low-cost DAW with extensive features and customization options.
Sound Libraries
Use sound libraries to source high-quality sound effects:
Free Libraries:
Paid Libraries:
Audio Plug-ins
Enhance your sound effects with audio plug-ins:
Reverb and Delay:
Adds depth and space to your sounds.
Pitch Shifters:
Alters the pitch of the sound for various effects.
Additional SFX Techniques
Foley:
Recreate everyday sound effects using props in a studio setting.
Layering:
Combine multiple sounds to create a complex and rich effect.
Granular Synthesis:
Breaks down sounds into tiny grains and recombines them to create new textures.
Creative Use of Silence:
Sometimes, the absence of sound can be as powerful as the sound itself.
Time-stretching:
Extend or compress the length of a sound without changing its pitch.
Automation:
Use DAW automation features to adjust volume, panning, and effects over time.
Recording SFX
Recording sound effects can be done in various ways:
Field Recording: Capture real-world sounds using portable recorders.
Studio Recording: Use a controlled environment to create and capture sounds.
Hybrid: Combine both field and studio recordings for a richer sound palette.
Applications and methods for music creation
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
1. What are DAWs?
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are software platforms used for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio files. They are essential tools for music creators.
2. Popular DAWs for Beginners:
Audacity: Free, open-source DAW ideal for simple recording and editing.
GarageBand: User-friendly DAW for Mac users, featuring virtual instruments and loops.
FL Studio: Known for its powerful features and ease of use, suitable for all levels.
Ableton Live: Great for live performances and music production, with a user-friendly interface.
Reaper: Low-cost DAW with extensive customization options and professional features.
Virtual Instruments and Synthesizers
1. Virtual Instruments:
Software that simulates traditional instruments (e.g., pianos, drums, strings).
Can be played using a MIDI controller or programmed directly in a DAW.
2. Popular Virtual Instruments:
Kontakt: A versatile sampler with a vast library of sounds. It's paid (and pretty expensive), but it's worth it if you have a lot to do with music. Native Instruments, much like Pioneer, offers one of the best dj suites available. (sorry, I just wanted to tell you this).
Serum: A powerful wavetable synthesizer known for its high-quality sound.
Omnisphere: A software synthesizer with an extensive sound library for various genres.
Sound Libraries and Sample Packs
1. What are Sound Libraries?
Collections of pre-recorded sounds, loops, and samples that can be used in music production.
Useful for quickly adding professional-quality sounds to your projects.
2. Popular Sound Libraries:
Freesound: A community-driven database of free sound effects and samples.
Loopmasters: A commercial site offering high-quality sample packs in various genres.
Splice: A subscription-based platform with access to a massive library of sounds and samples.
Audio Effects and Plug-ins
1. What are Audio Plug-ins?
Software components that add audio effects or virtual instruments to your DAW.
Essential for enhancing and shaping your sound.
2. Common Audio Effects:
Reverb: Adds a sense of space and depth to your sounds.
Delay: Creates echo effects by repeating the sound.
EQ (Equalization): Adjusts the balance of different frequency components.
Compression: Controls the dynamic range of audio signals.
Methods of Music Creation
1. Composing:
Writing Melodies: Start with a simple melody and build upon it.
Harmonizing: Add chords to support and enrich the melody.
Arranging: Organize your musical ideas into a structured format.
2. Recording:
Using a Microphone: Capture live instruments or vocals.
Direct Input (DI): Record instruments like electric guitars directly into your DAW.
MIDI Recording: Use a MIDI controller to input notes and control virtual instruments.
3. Editing:
Trimming and Cutting: Remove unwanted sections of audio.
Quantizing: Align recorded MIDI notes to the grid for precise timing.
Pitch Correction: Adjust the pitch of vocals or instruments.
4. Mixing:
Balancing Levels: Ensure all elements are heard clearly and sit well together.
Panning: Position sounds in the stereo field to create a sense of space.
Applying Effects: Use reverb, delay, EQ, and other effects to enhance your tracks.
5. Mastering:
Final Processing: Apply compression, EQ, and limiting to prepare your track for distribution.
Loudness Optimization: Ensure your track meets industry loudness standards.
Applications and methods for SFX creation
Sound effects (SFX) are essential in game development for creating an immersive and engaging experience. They enhance the realism of actions, environments, and events within the game. This chapter will guide you through the tools and methods for creating effective sound effects.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
1. What are DAWs?
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are software platforms used for recording, editing, and producing audio files. They are crucial for sound designers to create and manipulate sound effects.
2. Popular DAWs for SFX Creation:
Audacity: A free, open-source DAW ideal for basic sound editing tasks.
Reaper: Affordable and highly customizable with a professional feature set.
Adobe Audition: A comprehensive DAW with advanced editing tools and effects.
Sound Libraries and Resources
1. What are Sound Libraries?
Sound libraries provide pre-recorded sounds that can be used directly in your projects. They are a valuable resource for finding high-quality sound effects without having to record them yourself.
2. Popular Sound Libraries:
Freesound.org: A community-driven database of free sound effects.
SoundBible.com: Offers both free and royalty-free sounds.
Boom Library: Professional sound libraries for various themes and genres.
Audio Effects and Plug-ins
1. What are Audio Plug-ins?
Plug-ins are software components that add effects or enhancements to your audio. They are essential for shaping and polishing your sound effects.
2. Common Audio Effects:
Reverb: Adds a sense of space and depth to your sounds, making them feel more natural.
Delay: Creates echo effects by repeating the sound, useful for simulating environments.
EQ (Equalization): Adjusts the balance of different frequency components to shape the sound.
Compression: Controls the dynamic range of the audio, making it sound more consistent.
Methods of SFX Creation
1. Recording:
Field Recording: Capture real-world sounds using portable recorders. For example, recording footsteps, doors creaking, or ambient nature sounds.
Studio Recording: Use a controlled environment to create specific sounds. Foley artists often use props to recreate everyday noises like footsteps or clothing rustling.
2. Sourcing:
Using Sound Libraries: Find and use pre-recorded sounds from sound libraries.
Creative Commons: Use sounds available under Creative Commons licenses, ensuring proper attribution where required.
3. Editing and Manipulating:
Trimming and Cutting: Remove unwanted parts of the sound to isolate the desired effect.
Pitch Shifting: Change the pitch of the sound to create different effects.
Time Stretching: Adjust the speed of the sound without altering the pitch.
Layering: Combine multiple sounds to create a richer and more complex effect.
Integrating SFX into the Game
1. Syncing:
Synchronize sound effects with in-game actions and events to enhance immersion. For example, footstep sounds should match the character's movements.
2. Middleware:
Use middleware like Wwise or FMOD for dynamic audio implementation. These tools allow for adaptive audio, where the sound changes based on the game’s state or player actions.
3. Balancing:
Ensure that sound effects are balanced with music and dialogue. Proper audio mixing prevents any single element from overwhelming the others.
Testing and Refining
1. Playtesting:
Regularly test the sound effects within the game environment to ensure they fit well and enhance the gameplay experience.
2. Feedback:
Gather feedback from playtesters and make adjustments based on their experiences and suggestions.
3. Iteration:
Continuously refine the sound effects based on feedback and playtesting results to achieve the best possible outcome.
References and links for educational materials
for music / soundtrack composition
Zectro is a pretty good youtube chanel for music creation for games.
Venus Thory is a pretty good youtube chanel for music creation for games.
Rocking The Plank: The Music of Sea of Thieves | Inside Xbox is a really good video that shows how the music for a game like Sea of Thieves could be made.
Here is something similar but then for God of War: The Music of God of War with Composer Bear McCreary | Countdown to Launch
The video: ARK Soundtrack: Behind the Scenes is something similar to the one of Sea of Thieves but with a bigger budget and less information on how they did it.
There are many more video's similar to this avalible on YouTube just try to look one up with the following text: "name of the game" + behind the scenes music creation
for SFX creation / recording
As said earlier the difference between SFX and Sound Design is really small. So you could learn very much from both types of work because they are nearly the same.
A video by Artlist: How To SOUND DESIGN | Step by step tutorial
A video about the creation of SFX in God of War How This Woman Creates God of War’s Sound Effects | Obsessed | WIRED
A video about the sound design of halo: How The Sounds In "Halo" Are Made | Movies Insider | Insider
Search on YouTube for "name of the game" + behind the scenes SFX creation
Final conclusion
The best way to learn stuff like this is by doing. While there is a lot of theory you can learn and apply, great music or sound effects often come from your own experience, knowledge, and (usually) your own personal taste / imagination. So, dive in and start creating!
Also, try different tools, sounds, and settings. Remember to make backups, as Ctrl+Z or autosaves may not always save you in certain situations.
And stay updated. Use the best tools available to you. High-quality tools can make it easier to produce better work, but you still need to master them. Without proper skills, even the best tools won’t guarantee great results.
Also, don't forget to enjoy the Process. Have fun with your projects. Enjoying what you do makes the whole journey worthwhile.
References and (external)sources
Sound Libraries:
SFX software:
DAW software:
Virtual Instruments:
Kontakt = https://www.native-instruments.com/ni-tech-manuals/kontakt-player-manual/en/welcome-to-kontakt.html
Omnisphere = https://www.spectrasonics.net/products/omnisphere/overview.php
YouTube:
Rocking The Plank: The Music of Sea of Thieves | Inside Xbox = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtR5STY1HuE
The Music of God of War with Composer Bear McCreary | Countdown to Launch = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YKCVA68Qf0
ARK Soundtrack: Behind the Scenes = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okxGZvrIfJM
How To SOUND DESIGN | Step by step tutorial = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LV1bqf8ZVo
How This Woman Creates God of War’s Sound Effects | Obsessed | WIRED = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFVLWo5B81w
How The Sounds In "Halo" Are Made | Movies Insider | Insider = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjpZEzP-I2Q
Other:
Top comments (1)
Sorry that there aren't any images and for the lack of clear explanations.
I'm way more into 3D and Animation than Music creation (despite owning multiple paid components) so it seems natural to me that i know way more about that than this.
again: sorry
hopefully you've found something helpful in this article.
if not sorry (again)😓