CCOG for MUC 285 Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- MUC 285
- Course Title:
- Game Audio: Design
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture Hours:
- 40
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Introduces sound design for use in video game projects and adjacent interactive experiences. Includes the creation process and the theory behind sound effects for historically important game experiences. Covers techniques for creating sounds in various styles ranging from Hyper-Realism to Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Recommended: knowledge of a DAW, basic audio recording and production. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Work as a sound designer on an independent game project or work as an associate sound designer under a lead on larger projects.
- Utilize industry-standard design techniques to create sound effects of various styles: realistic, hyperrealism, sci-fi, fantasy, synthetic, and chipsound-based.
- Analyze various games for style and aesthetics to determine an appropriate sonic palette.
- Design sound effects for linear moments such as cutscenes, scripted events, and animations in games.
- Create sound effects that are intended to react to player input or as a result of data output from game systems.
- Improve the overall sound of a game by making adjustments or recommendations.
Course Activities and Design
- Sound reworks of existing game audio assets
- Designing the soundscape for various video game cinematics and cutscenes.
- Instructor-led demonstrations on sound effect creation
- Evaluation of styles & techniques used in modern game sound design
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Grades will be determined by measuring student competency in the related subject matter. Methods used to determine competency may include:
- Practical examinations
- Quantitative or qualitative examinations
- Individual projects
- Peer reviews and evaluations
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
- Foundation & history of game sound design
- Critical listening & deconstruction of sound effects
- Field recording & sound synthesis
- Reactive sound effects
- Game design basics
- Interactive sound mixing