Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Types of game sounds
There are a number of sound types, including dynamic, adaptive interactive, diegetic,
non-dynamic, adaptive, and non-diegetic versions. The classification is based on the
perspective we assume to consider sounds in games. From the point of view of the
player's actions, sounds can be divided into Dynamic and Non-Dynamic.If we, on the
other hand, consider the sounds from the perspective of "where" they occur, we have
Diegetic sounds, which happen in the character's space, and Non-Diegetic sounds. In
the following sections we provide explanations for each of these categories.
Dynamic audio
Dynamic audio is any sound which is designed to be changeable, encompassing both
the interactive and adaptive audio. Dynamic audio is the sound which reacts to the
changes in the gameplay environment and/or in response to the user's actions.
Adaptive audio
Adaptive audio occurs in the game environment, reacting to gameplay, rather than re-
sponding directly to the user. An example is during timed gameplay, the music may
speed up as time runs out.
Interactive audio
Interactive audio refers to the sound events occurring in reaction to gameplay, which
can respond to the player directly. For example, in Tetris, when the player drops a
piece into place there is a thump sound. The thump is an interactive sound effect.
Non-Dynamic linear sounds and music
Non-Dynamic linear sounds and music usually occur in movies or cut-scenes. These
will play in a set series without input from the player.
Diegetic sounds
Diegetic audio are sound effects or music that occur in the character's space. There
are three types of diegetic sounds: non-dynamic, adaptive, and interactive.
