Module Descriptors
AUDIO FOR COMPUTER GAMES
MUSI60124
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Simon Waite
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 30
Independent Study Hours: 120
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%
  • PRACTICAL NOT IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 60%
Module Details
Module Resources
Logic Pro
Pro Tools LE
Cubase
MIDI controllers
Sound file libraries
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Texts
Collins, K., 2008. Game Sound: An Introduction to the History, Theory and Practice of Video Game Music and Sound Design., Massachusetts: The MIT Press, ISBN-10: 026203378X
Dvorin D,. 2008, Logic Pro 8 Beyond the Basics, Peachpit Press, ISBN-10: 0321502884
Marks, A., 2001, The Complete Guide to Game Audio: for Composers, Musicians, Sound Designers and Games Developers, San Francisco (CA): CMP Books, ISBN-10: 1578200830
Nahmani, D., 2007, Logi Pro 8 and Logic Express 8 (Apple Pro Training), Peachpit Press, ISBN-10: 0321502922
Sonnenschein, D., 2001, Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema, Studio City (CA: Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN-10: 0941188264
Module Indicative Content
The students will learn how to generate and utilise sound effects such as music, spot effects and voiceovers. They will also learn how to design and combine these effects for use in a computer game. This is done by including

1. Sound generation and editing
- Midi concepts
- Audio recording for voiceovers
- Audio compression types
- Two track editing
2. Audio Compression Techniques for Games
- Dynamic range compression/EQ
- Bit rate analysis
- Frequency rate analysis
3. Audio Design for Games
- Audio Design
- Stylisation of music
- Stylisation of effects
- Virtual studio technology
- Interactive music
Module Additional Assessment Details
A written assignment (40%) assessing Learning Outcomes 1 and 3.
3 short practical assignments (60%) assessing Learning Outcome 2, 3 and 4
Module Learning Strategies
2 hours per week lecture/practical over 12 weeks
0.5 hours per week surgery to support laboratory assignment