GDC 2007: panel discussion on PS3 audio

At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007, a panel discussion was held about sounds in video games. PS3: Audio Development from the Trenches discussed the effect next-gen consoles have on audio development. The panelists were Marc Schaefgen, audio director for Midway, SCEA Director of Service Groups Dave Murrant, EA Blackbox Director of Audio Charles Deenen, SCEA Music Supervisor Monty Mudd and SCEA Sound Design Manager Rex Baca.

According to the panelists, more space and power is available in next-gen consoles to enhance the realism and depth of audio in games. That means more jobs requiring more skills for audio people to do. The good thing about this, also, is that everyone has to specialize a bit more and people are hired directly from schools.

The panelists said that the fastest growing position on audio teams are those of the implementers. Implementers are those who work scripts and pick up technical design duties. With their duties, they free-up sound designers and other staff members up to expand and hone their pieces.

One panelist said that the business of audio nowadays is not to make cool sounds anymore, but rather, to tell good stories. The panel further discussed how good stories are made through audio in games. Attendees were then left with the end note that it’s a new world on next-gen consoles, and audio teams are just starting to take advantage of it.

Via IGN

At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007, a panel discussion was held about sounds in video games. PS3: Audio Development from the Trenches discussed the effect next-gen consoles have on audio development. The panelists were Marc Schaefgen, audio director for Midway, SCEA Director of Service Groups Dave Murrant, EA Blackbox Director of Audio Charles Deenen, SCEA Music Supervisor Monty Mudd and SCEA Sound Design Manager Rex Baca.

According to the panelists, more space and power is available in next-gen consoles to enhance the realism and depth of audio in games. That means more jobs requiring more skills for audio people to do. The good thing about this, also, is that everyone has to specialize a bit more and people are hired directly from schools.

The panelists said that the fastest growing position on audio teams are those of the implementers. Implementers are those who work scripts and pick up technical design duties. With their duties, they free-up sound designers and other staff members up to expand and hone their pieces.

One panelist said that the business of audio nowadays is not to make cool sounds anymore, but rather, to tell good stories. The panel further discussed how good stories are made through audio in games. Attendees were then left with the end note that it’s a new world on next-gen consoles, and audio teams are just starting to take advantage of it.

Via IGN