ABSTRACT
Video games continue to sound better and better over the past several years, and that is to a large extent because the quality of the in-game mixing is continually improving. New technologies were invented and integrated into game engines and audio middleware. Another technique that pushes other sounds from being physically played is called high dynamic range (HDR) audio, which simulates the ear's impressive ability to hear quiet and loud sounds, but not necessarily at the same time. HDR is very effective for keeping the mix clear in different loudness scenarios, but it also has limitations. If the loudness values are authored statically, then HDR cannot differentiate between important and less important loud sounds. It is very common in the industry for the sound designers to dedicate some time shortly before shipping the game to do a final mix, often in a different room or facility.
