module specification

In this module you will gain a strong understanding of the impact of audio for games, combined with attaining the skills needed to develop audio assets and implement them in industry standard middleware.

You will be introduced to an overview of audio post-production theory, practice, and technologies, including their uses and applications.

This module will give you the opportunity to experience real-world working practices, by working in small production groups, collaboratively towards common goals.

The module will put you in the role of a Sound Designer, wherein you will design and experiment with aspects of sound including recording, synthesis, and effects, so that when combined, you are able to generate a unique auditory experience.

You will have the freedom to explore and develop individual ideas in the context of sound for game genres of your choosing, resulting in the production of a project that displays creative expression, as well as technical achievement.

Using effective sound design techniques and openly collaborating with your peers and game developers, you will have the opportunity to create unique soundscapes, effects, and textures, all geared towards implementation.

This in turn will form a piece of practical work, for your show-reel, which can be used for future promotion and collaboration within the gaming industry.

This module aims to:

• Enable you to capture, manipulate, and produce game audio.
• Explore middleware/DAW implementation.
• Enhance creative sound design techniques.
• Understand the role of music for gaming.
• Develop recording studio, mixing and production skills.
• Apply core concepts and techniques relating to sound design and music.

Students must have studied sound design or games at Level 4.

Key subject areas:
• Creative sound design techniques (LO1)
• Applied Sound Design (LO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Audio processing (LO1, 2)
• Audio recording (LO1, 3, 4) 
• Audio post-production (LO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Audio middleware (LO1, 2)
• Creative Practice (LO1, 3, 4)
• Designing reactive sonic environments (LO1, 2, 3, 4)

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time.

Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops in the music IT lab and studios, including guided demonstrations and group production tasks. 

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and where applicable, resources for middleware programs. Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments. 

In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and sound design production practice supported by the audio technician.

Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own, and each other’s recordings and in-progress sound design projects.

On completion of this module, students should be able to: 

LO1. Understand and apply core concepts and techniques relating to sound recording, post-production, audio programming and assets in sound design for games.
LO2. Demonstrate technological knowledge and understanding of implementation and middleware.
LO3. Critically evaluate technical, creative and usability issues associated with games design and development.
LO4. Demonstrate the ability to organise and manage a schedule of work effectively, both individually and collaboratively in recognising and implementing professional practice.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/ECD7164C-D086-E3D0-CF70-9279B33D1999.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Coggan, A. (2022) Unity game audio implementation: a practical guide for beginners. Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY: Routledge.
• Collins, K. (2008) Game sound: an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of video game music and sound design. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
• Collins, K., (2013)  Playing with sound: a theory of interacting with sound and music in video games. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.
• Lanham, M. (2017) Game audio development with Unity 5.X: design a blockbuster game soundtrack with Unity 5.X. Birmingham, UK: Packt Publishing.
• Sonnenschein, D. (2001) Sound design: the expressive power of music, voice, and sound effects in cinema. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions.
• Viers, R. (2008) The sound effects bible: how to create and record Hollywood style sound effects. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions.