How AI Could Change Sound Production in Gaming

AI is going to change everything, right? We already know that AI is being used in creative ways in media, and a lot of people instantly talk about how AI is going to change aspects of gaming such as the way we interact with NPCs, and there are aspects of games that will probably feel more real.

But what is going to happen with the sound of games? It may not be immediately obvious what sort of things could change in music, but there are many ways audio will probably change.

The Role of Sound in Games

Sound plays a huge role in these games and can give a lot of cues regarding gameplay. It isn’t just in place to add a bit of a soundtrack or some music, it has a key function in gameplay. Those who play pc survival games like Minecraft already know that sound can be indicative of things like enemies arriving in the game. People have got to know the sounds of a creeper or another villain in the game and use this sense to work out how to avoid the bad guys.

Games also have musical soundtracks, and like in movies, this can help to set the mood. Some of the games out there have really iconic soundtracks either made up of existing music (think the GTA radio stations so many people love) or original scores written for some types of games.

More Dynamic Soundscapes

One of the most exciting possibilities AI offers is the creation of dynamic soundscapes. Traditional sound design involves pre-recorded audio tracks that are triggered by specific in-game events or actions. While this method has been effective, it can sometimes feel repetitive or lack spontaneity – we all know the feeling when the same piece of music loops for ages in a game. AI has the chance to change this by generating audio that responds in real time to the player's actions and the game environment.

The music and ambient sounds could evolve as the player explores a new area in a game. AI could analyze the environment or the player's behavior to generate soundscapes that adapt on the fly. This would make each gaming experience unique, as the audio would be shaped by the player's decisions and interactions, rather than being a static, predetermined soundtrack.

Audio Generation

At the moment, people look to pre-recorded samples and huge libraries of sounds to put in their games when they are in development.

Audio generation technique involves creating sounds algorithmically, rather than relying on pre-recorded samples. Procedural audio generation allows for a vast range of sound effects to be produced in real-time and to be totally unique, with AI playing a central role in ensuring these sounds are realistic and contextually appropriate. This could work in a similar way to an atmospheric sound generator where people can put in the details of what they want and allow a program to create sounds that fit that description.

For example, in a game with varied environments—such as forests, cities, or underwater worlds—AI could generate environmental sounds like wind and rain. The AI could factor in elements like the in-game weather or even the presence of other characters to create sounds that feel natural and immersive. This level of detail could greatly enhance the realism and depth of the gaming experience.

Advanced Audio Effects

Audio effects can play a big part in games and we’re already seeing more games embrace things like Dolby Atmos as a way to create atmospheric, 3D sounds. AI has the potential to enhance this even further.

As we’ve mentioned, games often use audio effects to convey important information to players—such as the direction of incoming threats or the proximity of an object. AI could improve the accuracy and realism of these effects, making them more intuitive and effective.

For instance, AI could analyze the game environment and player position to create realistic spatial audio, where sounds appear to come from specific directions and distances. This would make it easier for players to navigate complex environments or react to threats based on sound cues alone – it could also impact accessibility and make the games easier for those who have challenges with their vision, for instance. AI-driven audio effects could also adapt to changes in the environment.

Conclusion

While AI is still in its early stages of integration into sound production, its potential is huge. The ability to create dynamic, personalized, and contextually aware audio experiences could redefine how players engage with games and even impact things like accessibility. Loads of gamers are speculating about how new tech is going to make its way into games. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that these innovations will become more commonplace, leading to richer and more immersive gaming experiences.

"Any news, information to share or writing talents? Contact me!"

26/08/2024