ABSTRACT
What are soundscapes, and what do they consist of? This chapter will introduce the idea of videogame soundscapes, deconstructing them into their three requisite categories: music, sound effects, and dialogue. Dimensionality to a soundscape is also described, where objects exist in 2D (fixed) space, and/or 3D (positional) space. When implemented correctly, the real-time interplay of a soundscape has the ability to immerse, inform, and entertain us. However, there must be a balance between the aesthetic choices and technical design in order for a soundscape to fully succeed. Gamers know that the very best soundscapes immediately transport us to the world they inhabit. Even though our brains are hardwired to perceive visuals more quickly and intensely, it is the audio component that lives just underneath, drawing us further into the game, playing with our emotions (perhaps even our heart rate!), and helping to suspend our disbelief. This chapter will also include an introduction to listening, where the reader is encouraged to immerse themselves in the soundscapes of their favorite games and analyze the components that make them so effective (or not-so-effective).
