Analysis and comparison of Unity and FMOD sound engines
Takanen, Akseli (2020)
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052915197
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052915197
Tiivistelmä
This study compared Unity game engine’s built-in audio engine with third-party audio engine FMOD. The analysis was theoretical based on literary and educational sources as well as practical project examples provided by Skydome Entertainment Oy.
The study began with a rundown of the technical features of both audio engines. Functions such as audio file management, compressing and loading assets, audio sources and listeners, mixing, routing, sound shaping and performance profiling were examined. The following comparison focused on few key aspects of the audio engines: technical features, workflow, ease of use and resource investment. The main research question was which of these popular audio engines has the higher potential for creating a quality game audio system with the most resource efficiency. The analysis was made from the standpoint of sound design potential, flexibility and resource costs including time efficiency of the sound designer as well as programmers, and financial expenses.
The results of the analysis were in favor of FMOD as the technically superior and potentially more efficient audio engine. However, the challenges regarding the level of audio engineering and sound design proficiency required to operate the engine to its full capacity were also brought up. Additionally, certain scenarios in which the Unity audio engine might be the better choice were discussed.
The final segment of the study touches on the long-term potential and future of the two audio engines. There is room for more methodical studies especially regarding the efficiency of the audio engines which could benefit game companies in streamlining their production workflow while being able to create high quality audiovisual systems.
The study began with a rundown of the technical features of both audio engines. Functions such as audio file management, compressing and loading assets, audio sources and listeners, mixing, routing, sound shaping and performance profiling were examined. The following comparison focused on few key aspects of the audio engines: technical features, workflow, ease of use and resource investment. The main research question was which of these popular audio engines has the higher potential for creating a quality game audio system with the most resource efficiency. The analysis was made from the standpoint of sound design potential, flexibility and resource costs including time efficiency of the sound designer as well as programmers, and financial expenses.
The results of the analysis were in favor of FMOD as the technically superior and potentially more efficient audio engine. However, the challenges regarding the level of audio engineering and sound design proficiency required to operate the engine to its full capacity were also brought up. Additionally, certain scenarios in which the Unity audio engine might be the better choice were discussed.
The final segment of the study touches on the long-term potential and future of the two audio engines. There is room for more methodical studies especially regarding the efficiency of the audio engines which could benefit game companies in streamlining their production workflow while being able to create high quality audiovisual systems.