Defining voice design in video games

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master_Holmes_Thomas_2021.pdf (807.87 KB)

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
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Date

2021

Department

media

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Master's Programme in New Media

Language

en

Pages

64

Series

Abstract

Currently, voice design is a largely undocumented area of game audio. In order to establish a broader understanding of the topic, this thesis explores and documents the voice design process and aims to highlight its role within game development. This thesis combines existing video game research with personal experience in game audio, and approaches voice design from the perspective of a sound designer. This work analyses the history and functions of voices in video games, and divides voice design into three processes: recording, processing, and implementation. By looking at these three processes in more detail, a clearer definition of the topic is developed. The thesis attempts to further explore this subject by studying the practical application of voice design in a real-world case study, and suggesting future developments in this field. This research shows that the purposes and goals of voice design are closely linked with player immersion and engagement, and that the recording, processing, and implementation of voices requires special attention. This ultimately supports the argument for a well-defined discipline of voice design in video games. Hopefully this work establishes voice design as a topic worthy of further research, and fills a gap in current knowledge regarding this area of game development. Ideally this thesis will also serve as a starting point for future development and discussion of the topic.

Description

Supervisor

Ikonen, Antti

Thesis advisor

Ikonen, Antti

Keywords

voice design, game development, game audio, sound design, dialogue, game design, video games

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202104256338

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[master] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS