Greg Mcfee 
The use of sound in entertainment goes well beyond music and audio content like podcasts and audiobooks, with movies, TV shows, and video games all benefiting from the right sound.
Iconic movie scores like Star Wars and Jurassic Park, the opening beats of Alabama 3’s ‘Woke Up This Morning’ as the HBO logo fades, and we see Tony Soprano head towards Jersey, and the voices that host the top radio shows, podcasts, and narrate audiobooks all make a massive difference to the experience for consumers, so why should games be any different?
From the likes of Mario and Sonic video games, atmospheric scores accompanying RPGs and unforgettable GTA soundtracks, to the music and sound effects that accompany the latest online casino titles, sound plays a massive part in how we process what is happening in front of us.
When we consider the competitive nature of Australia’s online gambling industry, anything that operators can do to get the edge over their competitors is welcomed. This includes offering deals, the latest titles, and exploring ways to provide fully immersive gaming experiences.
The escapistmagazine.com guide to Australian pokies platforms provides a selection of the top operators who understand the value of audio to gameplay. Investing in state-of-the-art titles that make the most of emerging technologies to improve graphics is one thing, but if the music or sound effects are jarring or dull, players won’t hang around.
Soundtracks, scores, and sound effects during slots are nothing new, with land-based machines attracting players for years with catchy music and flashing lights. Online games have taken this a step further by incorporating immersive soundtracks that help to pace the game, draw players in, and amp up the excitement at just the right times.
This is also the case with traditional video games that have long benefitted from enjoyable and catchy themes and gameplay music. They help to set the scene, create an atmosphere, and immerse the player in the game world.
For games, auditory cues provide players with feedback and direction that makes it easier for them to navigate the landscape and make decisions. The use of headsets while gaming is on the rise, and not just because players can communicate with one another. In some games, listening out for footsteps and other clues can help alert players to enemies approaching.
While sound can help to improve a game, it has to be right. Failure to nail the sound attached to a game can be a deal-breaker for many, with one of the biggest mistakes being repetitive or annoying sounds.
Repetition can work to some degree, helping to signify a situation or occurrence, but overuse can lead to players having to play without sound and missing out on part of the game’s experience.
Poorly mixed audio can also have a negative impact, especially things like voices being too quiet to understand, and some sound effects being so loud they pull people out of the immersive experience.
