Module: GDT5009-20 Immersive Auio

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Samuel Sturitvant

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.sturtivant@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In recent years, dynamic audio systems and technologies such as multichannel surround sound have demonstrated the importance of sound in creating engaging gaming experiences. Being able to position sounds to the front, back, left or right of the player opens up new creative potential for gameplay as players are placed in the centre of the action. However, beyond this, new developments in spatial and immersive audio expand the possibilities even further by giving game sound designers the opportunity to create rich, fully three-dimensional sound environments in which sounds can appear to come from all around the player including from above and below.

Despite these developments, it remains the case that sound often plays a supporting role in game design practice. The module turns this on its head by challenging you to build an immersive gameplay experience based around sound. Throughout the module, you will explore the creative opportunities made possible through recent and emerging technologies such as ambisonics, binaural recording and head related transfer functions.

You will investigate how sound is used to establish tone and enhance player experience, and critique existing innovative uses of sound in games, including sound-focused and audio-only games. Building on these insights and your growing technical skills, you will design and produce a game in which sound does not simply reinforce the dominant visual element but instead is a key focus or mechanic.

2. Outline syllabus

• The role of sound in game design

• The development and history of spatial audio

• Principles and challenges in immersive audio design

• Dynamic and reactive game audio

• Multichannel surround sound

• Binaural recording

• Ambisonics

• Wave propagation

• HRTFs

• Beds, static and dynamic audio objects

• Contemporary spatial and immersive audio tools and middleware

• Exploring mainstream immersive audio reproduction systems

• Game engine implementation

3. Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours

Immersive Audio adopts a workshop format. You are introduced to key principles and related theory via discussion and guided demonstration, before undertaking mini briefs that help you consolidate your knowledge. Some tasks are designed to be tackled individually while others follow practices found in industry where design roles are distributed across small teams. You will engage in a series of critical listening and analysis exercises as you identify the uses of immersive audio in a range of commercial and experimental games. Part of the aim of the workshop programme is to help you form a personal approach with a distinctive creative voice and an understanding of how similar projects in the commercial and experimental sectors are organized, managed and implemented. 

Independent Learning

As a university student, it is expected that you develop and extend your knowledge outside of class hours. Tutors provide guidance on where you personally should be concentrating your efforts.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio An original game experience that prioritises immersive audio.

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Development Document.

• % Weighting: 30%