What makes a video gaming experience one to remember? Some say what makes a game memorable is the content of the game itself. That can be an intriguing story, intense action sequences, or enduring the challenges in a video game, but there is one key element in video games that lets us have those kinds of memorable experiences and that is, sound.
Why is sound the most impactful element in a video game experience?
Some people first think about the music in a video game when they think of sound, and they would be right. Music is how video games became even more popular in its early stages. Music was used to create a memorable and enjoyable/unique experience. For example, nobody can seem to forget a Mario themed song. Ever since the first Super Mario Bros. video game, a tune has been implanted into the minds of millions, including those who may have not played the game at all.
The music of a game was the center focus of sound in video games in the past, but nowadays, sound is a focus on immersing the player in the video game. Sound effects play the most pivotal role to the quality of immersive gameplay. When the player does an action such as swinging an axe to a tree, the experience of doing that through a single button press is hard to make the play feel like they are the one swinging the axe. The inclusion of the sound of the axe hitting the tree allows for a sense other than sight to be triggered, hearing. This kind of experience allows the player to be really immersed into the world that the video game presents.
