Project aim update - Statement of intent

Can game audio be specifically designed and implemented for the purpose of leading theplayer into an immersive experience?

The term immersion or immersive is often used by gamers when describing games but what
exactly does it mean to be immersed in a game and what defines an immersive experience? This
project proposes to investigate the term immersion and define its meaning within the context of
playing video games. With a clearer view on the process of becoming immersed in computer games,
the project will focus in on the aural element of immersion. From here the relationship will be
highlighted between immersion and game audio design whilst demonstrating its importance to the
overall experience.

The project aims to clearly identify the bond between audio and immersion in games and
will include research and critical analysis of current theories and studies on the subject. The research
and investigation output will be utilised to create a 'First Person Shooter' gaming level which will be
focused on using audio as an interactive design element to produce an immersive experience. This
level will then be tested a variety of ways to firstly try and quantify the impact audio has on the
immersive experience. Secondly the results should shed some light on whether audio can indeed be
designed and implemented with immersion as a goal.

• Main Objectives: Research – defining game immersion, case studies, similar projects
• Audio Asset Production – planning, recording, editing, testing
• Game Level Build – Skills based research, level editing, audio implementation, testing
• Project Evaluation/Testing - establish testing methods, source test group, carry out tests, reflect upon results