Saturday, June 18, 2011

Non Invasive Mechanics

Hey there folks, this will be the first of a few posts talking about non invasive game mechanics. Now I'm certain that I'm  using the term horribly wrong, but when I refer to non invasive game mechanics, what I mean is something that adds to the game, but is something that the player often has little control over or even awareness of.

So lets talk about audio



And when I say audio I don't mean the games soundtrack, that deserves a post unto itself. I mean the games sound direction. Happily, I've seen a trend in recent years that seems to denote that the gaming community at large is beginning to acknowledge excellent sound direction, with games like Dead Space especially being recognized for excellence in this sector. So what denotes good sound design? Well that's something that isn't easily pinned down. In a game with good sound direction, there is no dissonance between what you are hearing, and what you are seeing, or perceiving as the source of any sound. A robust 3d positional sound system is key to this in my opinion. Well implemented this, this system lets you differentiate between things like, different bullet impact points. This by itself raises your awareness of your surroundings at that time from "Hey someone is shooting at me" to "Christ that bullet hit just to the right of my head!", a whole different level of immersion. 

Ambient sound too, I believe is very very important for creating a believable, cohesive environment. An environment that looks believable and is done well is a work of art, add to that a menagerie of audible minutia specifically designed to exist within THAT specific environment, then I believe, it becomes a great deal more. Without the constant croaks, beeps, clinks, clangs, whistles, rustling leaves, blowing wind, we would be left to  traverse muted landscapes, things that, seem alive but do not breathe! Anyway folks, that's it for tonight, just a reminder that sometimes it's the little things that hold all the big things together.

21 comments:

  1. "sometimes it's the little things that hold all the big things together." very true.

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  2. Yes, and this is the most overlooked element in video games. Ambient sounds, and effects... I put all of those in to account when I try to critique one!

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  3. since 5.1 came out having it in css or other shooter s gives the player a huge advantage. They get a more cinematic, engagin experience, and a edge over the competition. Deadspace's use of direction audio got me to jump more then a few times.

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  4. I've never really thought about it before, but thinking back I can remember some not-so-great games which have many dull, quiet moments.

    But riding around in Oblivion hearing birds chirping, trees swaying, and the sound of your armor clinging along as you ride atop your horse...

    It's a subtle thing, overlooked for sure, but still very important.

    You might not realize the important of these as you play, until you contrast it with a game that is just too quiet.

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  5. If you turn your sound off while playing, you realize how much it adds to the experience.

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  6. You are completely right. It's strange how everyone can notice graphics improvements, mut just a few do the same for the game sounds.

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  7. I just started playing dead space 2 and I completely understand what you are talking about with the sound. That game is really creepy, best not played in the dark.

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  8. Excellent post, thx for the work!


    Greetings,
    funny-randomstuff.blogspot.com

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  9. The detail in games is what really makes them worth while if you ask me. small graphical events, sounds, the whole environment. I'd rather play a semi good, great looking game rather than a great, crappy looking game. That's just my opinion...

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  10. I used to never pay attention to audio in games... it's a bad habit I'm starting to fix.

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  11. I've noticed that in games who pull this off correctly , you become extremely paranoid. Ive had the feeling in masseffect 2 , always making sure to check behind me at all times, but it's extremely important to have this feature properly implemented in fps's cause it helps to hear Fron what direction footsteps are coming from.

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  12. The only thing I can think of reading this is Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The way EVERYTHING interacts with each other creates such a startling, dark, and terrifying atmosphere. The sounds really help immerse the player in it's darkness...It's creepy as fuck.

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  13. Cool blog, my brother would love this. I'm afraid I'm not as good as he is with the controller, but I love watching him play these kinds of games. Thanks for the lovely comment, glad you liked my ring, and don't worry our garden's not in tip top shape either, it still needs some work! xxx

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  14. I haven't played the Dead Space Series, but I've only heard good things overall.

    Anyways, about the audio thing, I guess I would believe enhancement of audio would be a great thing for a select group of people.
    Most people I know that play games normally don't have headsets nor tv's that are capable of getting the full experience of it so it wouldn't matter.

    Like for most games, I really do have sound loud enough to hear most anything, but for example, the COD series, I can top almost ever room with the sound off. May just be instinct and common locations, but other games based around storylines, well I guess it would be a thing to push more for.
    Nice post.

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  15. Audio is what makes the experience, Nice post!

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  16. Oh I agree with Athanasian complexio, In amnesia, the way the music and more importantly the sound of the monster coming for you and the panicking of Daniel make the game scary, sound off, It's pretty bland.

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  17. Sound effects is so important in games, especially horror games. All these sounds contribute to the game's atmosphere in a major way.

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  18. Immersion is the difference between a good gaming experience and an unforgettable experience, some people don't think this is important but it plays an elemental role as much as graphics in a game.

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  19. I agree completely. The problem; however, is that there are many like myself who only use ordinary stereo sound rather than surround.

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  20. Hmm I thought Dead Space wasn't really very creepy, at first it was, but it wasn't terrifying like DOOM 3.

    I actually finished dead space and I love it now. DOOM 3 scared me to death, and I hated it. As I progressed into dead space it got a lot less scary, and it was fun.

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