Module Descriptors
AUDIO FOR COMPUTER GAMES
MUSI60157
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Douglas Rouxel
Email: D.Rouxel@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 28
Independent Study Hours: 122
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%
  • PRACTICAL NOT IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 60%
Module Details
Resources
E8 computers and software, sound libraries, Stafford Media Stores, music studios, library, internet resources.
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
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
Learning Strategies
2 Hour/Week lecture/practical. 4 hours Technical Instruction as required.
Texts
Collins, K., 2008 From Pac-Man to Pop Music: Interactive Audio in Games and New Media. Aldershot: Ashgate
Grimshaw, M., 2011 Game Sound Technology and Player Interaction: Concepts and Developments. Hershey PA: IGI Global. (Available as ebook through Dawsonera)
Marks, A., 2001. The Complete Guide to Game Audio: For Composers, Musicians, Sound Designers, and Games Developers. San Francisco (CA): CMP Books.
Yewdall, D., 2007. Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound. 3rd Ed. Oxford: Focal Press.