What is Game Audio?

Game Audio is the profession of Composers, Sound Designers, Voice Artists and Audio Programmers working in the video game industry. In addition to traditional music production skills, game audio professionals often work with game engines such as Unreal and Unity using third-party middleware software to manage the audio assets and create adaptive audio environments.

Aside from being the most deeply creative artform in existence today, video games generate over 90 billion dollars a year in revenue, dwarfing the film, TV and music industries combined. The Interactive Entertainment Industry is vast and encompasses many different platforms. Each one has an entirely different way of handling audio and many use proprietary engines. Creating this audio content and making it play seamlessly inside the software can be a massive creative and technical undertaking for sound professionals.

Our career articles come directly from professionals working in the industry. Be sure to check the audio jobs page for today's industry positions. The page is updated daily with fresh opportunities.

While the general public may associate video games with hit titles like Guitar Hero, there is much more to this industry. The growing interactive entertainment industry spans many genres and platforms. Here are the main areas where development is concentrated:

 

MOBILE - Android, iOS, Amazon

CONSOLE - Xbox One, Wii, PS4

HANDHELD - Nintendo Switch, Sony PS Vita

WEB BASED - HTML5, WebGL, Social

COMPUTER - PC/MAC Packaged Software

ARCADE -Coin-op, Leisure Products

CASINO - Gambling Machines

EMBEDDED - Toys, LCD games, etc.

 

Simply playing games can improve hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills. No other form of entertainment has such positive effects. Keep your tuner dialed to the 101 and have some fun. Thanks to our sponsors OWC and Slick Audio for their support!

 

Game Audio 101