Q&A: Audio In The Spotlight with Senior Audio Designer, Greg Dugan & Lead Composer, Alex Dopierala
Audio In The Spotlight - Why Sound Matters
With Push Gaming’s Greg Dugan, Senior Audio Designer & Alex Dopierala, Lead Composer
How does sound design influence player engagement and immersion in gambling slots?
Greg: Sound design in slots primarily enhances the game's visual theme. From the moment players enter the game, press the spin button, and hear the first symbols land, they should immediately get an auditory sense of the game's thematic basis. Additionally, sound design significantly boosts the feeling of winning and the excitement of triggering special features within the game. This creates considerable tension and anticipation during gameplay.
What effects do specific sounds, such as win jingles or near-miss cues, have on players?
Greg: When winning, it captivates the player and emphasises the thrill of each cash prize. A player may briefly turn their head away from the game, hear the audio begin to shift, and quickly glance back to see if they’ve won. Near-miss audio cues are not overly emphasised, but they certainly build anticipation and suggest the potential of what could occur.
In what ways can sound design be used to reinforce reward anticipation and excitement in slot games?
Greg: Sound design and music go hand in hand in this context. Music is crafted for special moments in the game, while the sound design enhances the excitement of these moments further. Much of the sound design behind rewarding and thrilling scenarios in our games incorporates tonal elements that harmonise with the music, supporting the action on screen. We use sound to complement the animations presented and to amplify the emotion they convey to the player. Occasionally, the sound design needs to be elevated; in other words, it should sound larger than what is occurring visually, thereby adding gravitas to the experience of a win or near miss.
How do game developers use audio elements to enhance the overall gaming experience?
Alex: The ultimate aim is to create an immersive experience for the player, placing them firmly within the game's world. I believe all the audio elements are crucial to this, particularly when the player is wearing headphones. The music undoubtedly plays an essential role in establishing the mood and tone of the game, while the sound effects further enhance immersion. Whether it’s ambient sounds that transport you to a futuristic city or an underwater kingdom, the anticipation of a countdown, or the satisfaction of a tactile button press, the synergy between music and sound effects is vital for constructing the world and positioning the player within it.
How does sound design contribute to brand identity and differentiation among various slot games?
Alex: We enjoy creating bespoke identities for our games; it’s the only way to truly achieve a unique product. Each game receives as much attention for uniqueness as it does for excellence. This goes a layer deeper with sequels, as we like to incorporate elements of the original game into the sequel. From musical motifs to repurposing effects, it’s akin to developing a franchise where the player is comfortable with the aesthetics while still experiencing something new in the next installment. This ultimately cultivates an even stronger brand, or identity, for the series.
Read the full roundtable here:
Part 1: Audio in the spotlight – why sound matters: a vital ingredient iGaming immersion
Part 2: Audio in focus: using sound to create an immersive experience
