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Game Audio 101

How to Create Sounds for Games

Elliot Callighan

Dive into making sounds for games by examining both the artistic and technological aspects of audio conceptualization and creation. We will cover the basics of sound in the physical and digital realm, uses of sound in games, sound effects editing, scoping/spotting, and sound effects delivery.

At a high level, we'll cover

· The essential ways to use sound in games

· Audio physics and vocabulary

· How to define space with sound

· Microphone types and characteristics

· Recording/capturing assets

· Thought process and aesthetics for Sound Design

Read more

Dive into making sounds for games by examining both the artistic and technological aspects of audio conceptualization and creation. We will cover the basics of sound in the physical and digital realm, uses of sound in games, sound effects editing, scoping/spotting, and sound effects delivery.

At a high level, we'll cover

· The essential ways to use sound in games

· Audio physics and vocabulary

· How to define space with sound

· Microphone types and characteristics

· Recording/capturing assets

· Thought process and aesthetics for Sound Design

· Editing functions and navigation of Pro Tools

· Creating audio asset types specific to games

By looking at these topics, we'll understand sound's creative possibilities and the ways to make games feel immersive and real. We'll also have a healthy dose of best practices for recording your own sounds as well as when using a Digital Audio Workstation to process and manipulate audio.

This course is designed for beginner sound designers, composers and game developers.

Check out Game Audio 201 & 301 to go from beginner to advanced Game Sound Designer, and learn audio implementation skills using Wwise. With this knowledge and set of tools, you'll have a holistic skillset in game audio that will inform your work and make you that much more marketable.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The different uses and affects of audio in games
  • How to create compelling sounds for a game
  • Creating audio asset types specific to games
  • Considerations for mixing a game audioscape
  • How to make audio feel immersive and "real"
  • Microphone types and recording considerations
  • How to begin conceptualizing the creation of a sound
  • Vocabulary to effectively communicate audio ideas and concepts
  • Part of the game audio 101, 201, and 301 curriculum!

Syllabus

Introduction to the myriad of nuance in audio and basic editing functions in Pro Tools.

Glen Schofield talks about the impact of sound in the design of Dead Space.

Read more

We are rarely recording the "actual thing." This video is a great series of examples where what's recorded sounds exactly like something else.

The Wikisinger
Game Clip Comparison
The Sound of Silence
Pro Tools - Session Folder Structure, Audio Import, Basic Editing
Understand audio physics concepts and perform basic audio editing functions in Pro Tools.

Ever wondered what sound literally looks like?

Sound is a wave - when it's strong enough you can literally see it!

An introduction to the physics of sound and some of the artistic and design capabilities of sound in games.

Let's look at panning, the use and monitoring of faders as well as the following functions:

  • Bouncing

  • Fades

  • Clipping

  • Master Fader

Telling Story through Sound
1-Minute Audio Story
Understand ways we can define space with sound both physically and emotionally as well as execution in Pro Tools.

How do we "hear the room" we're in? What are all the ways we can hear a space?

Why Games Define Space Differently

Explanation of Aux Tracks, Sends, Busses, and how to use them together to create the most realistic type of reverb effect.

Basic Automation in Pro Tools

Reverb, Automation and Routing
Understand the different types of Microphones, how they work and what they are best suited for.

How do Microphones work? When should you use which kind?

Pro Tools - Crossfades, Clip Based Gain
Interface and Menu Sound
Know considerations for recording outside of studio (or controlled) environments.

Best practices for recording on location

Live Recording Project

Using video in Pro Tools

How can you begin to conceptualize a sound? How can is "feel right?"

Game Audio Writing Assignment
Test your knowledge for completion of the course!

Test your knowledge!

Game Audio 101 DAW Practical
Know which audio file types to use in different situations, determine what needs a sound in a game, deliver final assets to a programmer.
Data Storage and File Types
Game Spotting
Delivery Assignment Example
Delivery Project / Crime Spree
Understand what audio compression is and know how to use it, and create seamless loops ready for implementation
Compression
Pro Tools - Creating Seamless Loops
Looping Assignment
Understand and use EQ processing, begin to train their ear to identify specific frequencies
EQ
Pro Tools - EQ
EQ and Ear Training

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores audio physics and vocabulary, which provides a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of sound design in games
Covers the essential ways to use sound in games, which helps learners understand the creative possibilities of sound in game development
Teaches editing functions and navigation of Pro Tools, which is a widely used digital audio workstation in the industry
Examines microphone types and characteristics, which is crucial for capturing high-quality audio assets for games
Requires Pro Tools, which may require a subscription or purchase, potentially posing a barrier for some students
Belongs to a series of courses (Game Audio 101, 201, and 301), suggesting a comprehensive curriculum for game audio design

Save this course

Save Game Audio 101: How to Create Sounds for Games to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Game Audio 101: How to Create Sounds for Games with these activities:
Review Audio Physics
Solidify your understanding of the fundamental principles of sound, including wave properties, frequency, amplitude, and how they relate to digital audio.
Show steps
  • Review online resources explaining sound waves and their properties.
  • Practice identifying different frequencies and amplitudes.
  • Relate these concepts to how sound is represented digitally.
Read 'The Sound Effects Bible'
Gain a deeper understanding of sound effects creation and recording techniques.
View Make Some Noise: Sound Effects Recording for... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to recording techniques and microphone selection.
  • Experiment with different recording setups based on the book's recommendations.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques for future reference.
Pro Tools Editing Exercises
Improve your proficiency in Pro Tools by practicing essential editing functions.
Browse courses on Pro Tools
Show steps
  • Import audio files into Pro Tools.
  • Practice cutting, copying, and pasting audio clips.
  • Experiment with fades and crossfades.
  • Use clip-based gain to adjust audio levels.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record and Edit a Foley Sound
Apply your knowledge of recording and editing to create a realistic Foley sound effect.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple action to recreate (e.g., footsteps, door closing).
  • Gather necessary props and recording equipment.
  • Record the Foley sound, paying attention to detail.
  • Edit the recording in Pro Tools to match the visual action.
Design Sound for a Short Game Clip
Integrate all learned skills to create a complete sound design for a short game clip.
Show steps
  • Find a short, royalty-free game clip online.
  • Identify all the sounds needed for the clip.
  • Record or source the necessary sound effects.
  • Edit and mix the sounds in Pro Tools.
  • Sync the audio to the game clip.
Explore 'A Composer's Guide to Game Music'
Broaden your understanding of game audio by exploring the principles of game music composition.
View A Composer's Guide to Game Music (Mit Press) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on interactive music design and implementation.
  • Analyze the musical scores of popular video games.
  • Consider how music and sound effects can work together to create a cohesive audio experience.
Create a Sound Effects Library
Build a personal sound effects library to use in future game audio projects.
Show steps
  • Identify common sound effects needed for games (e.g., weapons, explosions, environmental sounds).
  • Record or source high-quality sound effects.
  • Edit and process the sounds in Pro Tools.
  • Organize the sounds into a well-structured library.
  • Add metadata to each sound for easy searching.

Career center

Learners who complete Game Audio 101: How to Create Sounds for Games will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer creates the auditory landscape of games, crafting sound effects and ambience that enhance the player experience. This course is a perfect starting point, providing an understanding of sound in both physical and digital realms. It covers the essential ways to use sound in games, defining space with sound, recording techniques, and the aesthetics of sound design, which are all crucial skills for a Sound Designer. It also introduces the use of Pro Tools for editing, a popular software in the industry. The course's focus on creating game specific audio also makes it directly relevant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer
Game Audio Designer
A Game Audio Designer specializes in all aspects of sound in a game. This course helps build a foundation in the field, teaching audio physics, how to define space with sound, and how to create specific sounds for games. A Game Audio Designer must know the different uses and effects of audio, something this course addresses directly. It also covers creating audio asset types, mixing, and techniques to achieve immersive and realistic sound, which are central to the work of a Game Audio Designer. The concepts of sound design and sound creation covered here may be particularly useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Audio Designer
Sound Effects Editor
A Sound Effects Editor is responsible for creating, editing, and mixing sound effects in games, film, and television. This course offers a solid foundation for a Sound Effects Editor, covering essential skills like the use of sound in games, sound effects editing, and audio asset delivery. It also introduces Pro Tools, which is often used by sound editors. The skills of creating immersive and realistic sounds, recording, and understanding audio compression covered in the course are also beneficial for success in this role. This course may be particularly helpful for the focus on creating audio assets specific to games.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Effects Editor
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer works with the technical aspects of sound creation and manipulation. This course helps prepare someone for this work by providing an overview of audio physics and vocabulary, as well as microphone types and techniques for capturing assets. It also teaches essential editing functions in Pro Tools, a digital audio workstation often used by Audio Engineers. The course's introduction to sound design principles and the creation of specific audio assets for games are also highly useful for any Audio Engineer working in the gaming industry. This course teaches best practices for recording and manipulating audio using a digital audio workstation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer
Audio Technician
An Audio Technician operates audio equipment and assists in recording and mixing. This course introduces the basic concepts of audio physics, different microphone types, and recording and capturing assets. The course's focus on digital audio editing with Pro Tools, as well as audio file types, is directly applicable to the daily tasks of an Audio Technician. The understanding of sound's creative possibilities also prepares an Audio Technician for working with sound designers and engineers. The practical focus of the course is particularly relevant for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Technician
Game Developer
A Game Developer creates video games, and this course will be useful for those who develop games but who might lack knowledge in audio. While the role is not focused on sound, this course helps a Game Developer better understand the role sound plays in a game. It covers essential ways to use sound, how to define space with sound, and the creation of audio assets specific to games. A Game Developer who understands mixing, sound effects editing, and scoping/spotting, will create more immersive and higher-quality games. The course particularly stands out because it is designed for game developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist incorporates different forms of media, such as audio, into various projects. This course provides an introduction to how to use sound as a storytelling device, as well as the technical aspects of audio physics, and provides practical training using Pro Tools to create and edit sounds. The course teaches how to make audio feel immersive and 'real', and it provides a strong basis for the sound component of various projects. The understanding of how to create sound assets for games is also directly applicable to many common multimedia projects. The focus on delivering final audio assets will also be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Content Creator
A Content Creator produces digital content for various platforms. This course may be useful to those who wish to add professional sound design to their work. This course teaches basic audio physics, how to create compelling sounds, and best practices for recording. Skills in editing and using audio software like Pro Tools will help Content Creators enhance their videos, podcasts, and other multimedia projects. The course focuses on creating immersive audio, a valuable technique for any digital content. The basic audio mixing and the course's overview of audio file types will be particularly valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Interactive Designer
An Interactive Designer creates experiences using digital technologies. This course may be useful for Interactive Designers who wish to understand and use sound in their designs. Through teaching how to use sound to define space, to create immersive experiences, and to deliver finished assets, it provides a framework for the use of sound in interactive design. As an Interactive Designer should be aware of the many uses of sound, this course will be particularly valuable. Knowledge of how to use Pro Tools will also provide immediate value.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Designer
Composer
A Composer creates music for various mediums. While this course focuses on sound design and sound effects rather than music composition, there is some overlap. This course may be useful as it covers audio physics and vocabulary, and explores sound's creative possibilities. Moreover, knowledge of digital audio workstations like Pro Tools, as well as the best practices for recording, is relevant to both sound design and music composition. The focus on how to make audio feel immersive may also provide a new approach to composing. The course's practical focus is also helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Composer
Animator
An Animator creates moving images for games, film, and television. This course may be useful to animators who wish to enhance their projects with sound. It covers essential aspects of audio, such as the way sound defines a space, how to create immersive audio, and the different uses of sound. The course provides a solid base to pair audio with visual content. The instruction in Pro Tools is relevant for integrating sound with animation. An animator may use this course to broaden their understanding of multimedia projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on the interactions users have with technology. This course may be useful as they are increasingly paying attention to the sound associated with user interfaces. This course will help a User Experience Designer understand the importance of sound for user engagement. They will learn how to use sound to define space and create an immersive experience. It also offers a chance to understand best practices for recording and how to use digital audio workstations. The course's focus on making sound feel real and immersive is particularly relevant.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Video Editor
A Video Editor assembles video footage, often enhancing audio during production. This course may be useful as it covers the audio aspects of video production, teaching how to use sound in space and how to use Pro Tools. Video Editors who wish to deepen their knowledge of sound will find this course valuable. The course covers how to record clean audio, use audio compression and how to create seamless loops. This knowledge can all be used to create compelling videos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor
Foley Artist
A Foley Artist creates everyday sounds for audio projects. While this course focuses on game audio, the basic concepts of audio physics, microphone use, and recording techniques covered may be useful for a Foley Artist. It is good to have some understanding of sound in the digital realm, which this course provides. The course's focus on how to define space with sound will also be relevant. This course may also help develop one's ear for sound, which is a core skill for a Foley Artist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foley Artist
Musician
A Musician creates and performs music. While this course is not focused on making music, it touches on audio fundamentals, sound design, and digital audio workstations. These concepts may be useful to any Musician who wishes to broaden their knowledge and approach to audio. The course's emphasis on creating and manipulating sound may help them in new creative endeavors. The basic understanding of physics, microphone technique, and digital audio editing has some overlap with music production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Game Audio 101: How to Create Sounds for Games.
Cover image
Make Some Noise
Save
Comprehensive guide to sound effects recording and editing. It covers a wide range of topics, from microphone techniques to digital audio workstations. It valuable resource for anyone interested in creating sound effects for games, film, or other media. This book provides additional depth to the course.
Make Some Noise: Sound Effects Recording for Teens
Paperback
$$
Make Some Noise: Sound Effects Recording for Teens
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
A Composer's Guide to Game Music
Save
While this course focuses on sound effects, understanding the broader context of game audio, including music composition, is beneficial. provides insights into the creative and technical aspects of composing music for games. It is more valuable as additional reading to provide breadth to the existing course. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
A Composer's Guide to Game Music (Mit Press)
Paperback
$$
A Composer's Guide to Game Music (MIT Press) by...
Unknown Binding
$$
A Composer's Guide to Game Music
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Elliot Callighan
Language
English
Good to know
Explores audio physics and vocabulary, which provides a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of sound design in games
Covers the essential ways to use sound in games, which helps learners understand the creative possibilities of sound in game development
Teaches editing functions and navigation of Pro Tools, which is a widely used digital audio workstation in the industry
Examines microphone types and characteristics, which is crucial for capturing high-quality audio assets for games
Requires Pro Tools, which may require a subscription or purchase, potentially posing a barrier for some students
Belongs to a series of courses (Game Audio 101, 201, and 301), suggesting a comprehensive curriculum for game audio design
Share and help others discover this course.
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