Sound is a crucial ingredient in the success of any slot title, so SlotBeats is analysing the crucial steps taken to ensure that the sound is perfectly crafted for player engagement and success.
In the second part of our roundtable on the importance of sound, the role of sound in elevating excitement around gameplay is discussed.
Taking part in this roundtable are Chris Danaher, Head of Business Development at Realistic Games, Greg Dugan, Senior Audio Designer at Push Gaming, Johan Sjödin, Audio Director at Thunderkick and Volodymyr Ponikarovkyi, Sound Producer Stream Leader at Playson.
In what ways can sound design be used to reinforce reward anticipation and excitement in slot games?
Chris Danaher: Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing reward anticipation and excitement in slot games through several key mechanisms. Firstly, anticipatory sound cues build tension and elevate the significance of each outcome, making every spin feel more impactful. Near-win sounds create a psychological effect that encourages players to continue playing by fostering a sense of potential success.
Reward sounds, which are familiar and satisfying audio cues we associate with winning, directly amplify excitement and motivate the player to engage further. The use of dynamic soundscapes enriches the overall player experience, immersing them in the game and making it feel more satisfying. By introducing variations in sound, designers can stave off auditory fatigue and sustain the player’s interest throughout their gaming session. Effectively incorporating these elements of sound design can significantly heighten the thrill and anticipation associated with slot games.
Greg Dugan: 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.
Johan Sjödin: Sound is one of the most effective tools for building and sustaining hype. Rising tones before a spin result, escalating beats as a bonus round nears, or sudden celebratory bursts – it is all about heightening the experience and embracing the thrill by making every moment feel like something exciting is about to happen. We are in the entertainment industry, and optimising gameplay audio is just one of the many processes involved in engineering a captivating game that grips players.
Volodymyr Ponikarovkyi: Time, pitch, timbre and amplitude are the key dimensions that reinforce anticipation and excitement. Slots are centred around the expectancy or hopefulness of something valuable taking place.
Musically, and by means of sound design, we can reinforce the level of excitement. We can entertain the play and build levels of anticipation through the inclusion of additional audio dynamics. Player excitement levels rise with the advancement of the game, and if you manage to raise the excitement in the music in line with the player’s anticipation, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
How do game developers use audio elements to enhance the overall gaming experience?
CD: Game developers leverage audio as a vital tool to enrich the overall gameplay experience. Audio helps to create an emotionally engaging environment that draws players deeper into the world of the game.
Dynamic audio systems can adapt the music and sound effects in real-time in response to the player’s interactions. This audio feedback reinforces their decision-making, ultimately elevating their experience.
AD: 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.
JS: Audio is a lot more than something you just hear – it creates drama, and its importance in the production process cannot be overstated. A well-timed chime, a subtle shift in music, or a complete change in rhythm, tempo and energy make the game mechanics stand out.
It can also guide the audience from an educational perspective by providing new players with hints as to when features are close to triggering or when a big win might be on the horizon. Good sound design makes a game smoother, more engaging, and a lot more fun.
VP: Sound, and especially music, is vital for any type of visual media, slot games included. It not only supports the visual aspects of a title but, as mentioned earlier, also provides feedback on everything that happens during the gameplay experience. Additionally, audio within the slot sphere differs from sound in other entertainment verticals. In film and cinema, for example, it can steer the emotion in a completely different direction, but in slot games, the role of sound is to amplify the emotion, not change its direction.
How does sound design contribute to brand identity and differentiation among various slot games?
CD: Each piece of audio is meticulously crafted to complement the game’s style and theme. Unlike traditional games that may have a consistent audio thread, slot games often feature unique soundscapes tailored to their individual mechanics and themes. In essence, while sound design might not be the primary distinguishing factor for brand recognition, I believe that it contributes to the unique atmosphere of each game and this creates a memorable experience that players may associate with a particular brand.
AD: 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 instalment. This ultimately cultivates an even stronger brand or identity for the series.
JS: Signature sounds can really distinguish a brand and set its games apart in a highly competitive market. Unique win jingles, themed soundtracks with a memorable melody, or a character’s voice line can make a game instantly recognisable to players, with this familiarity key in amplifying brand loyalty and increasing game sessions.
Many important facets lay the foundations for a game’s success, with sound design being one that is often overlooked and undervalued. Sound is like a brand logo for your ears, and getting it right can differentiate your product and strengthen brand identity.
VP: When a sound effect or a music theme becomes so iconic that it’s instantly recognisable to players and is associated directly with a game developer, it’s a fantastic achievement. A particular style of approach to audio can be recognisable and memorable. Many providers aim to avoid being generic in their approach and use various techniques to achieve interesting results. We can see some pretty bold experiments on the market as well as some stability in loyalty to classics, and it all contributes to brand awareness.
Ultimately, sound works in tandem with visuals and game themes, so to generate success, it is imperative that the three aspects work alongside each other to elevate the gameplay experience and, in turn, strengthen brand visibility.
