Creating a systematic management tool for game sound design process
Syrén, Annu (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202403124207
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202403124207
Tiivistelmä
This thesis explores the construction and use of a structured process management tool to create a game sound design process. The tool is a step-by-step guide to construct the backbone of the design and production of game sound, specifically tailored for medium-sized studios lacking established sound design production methods. The proposed process management tool aims to streamline workflows, foster collaboration and elevate the role of game sound within game development projects.
The thesis is constructive research into understanding and creating a process tool for producing game sound as the process owner. The tool must offer flexibility to accommodate unique game projects employing agile project management methods, while also being easy to use and adopt in practice. The main source of material was expert interviews conducted in a Finnish game development company. The interview answers were analysed using themed classification. Material showed the needs of various game developer roles and the desired timing of different tasks in the game sound design process.
The created process tool was tested in a workshop facilitated by the researcher. The workshop’s goal was to produce expert input on the created sound design process tool through discussion. The input was then used to validate and improve the project tool so that it is a viable tool for real game development projects. After the workshop the created process map was revisited and its structure changed to better accommodate modern game development projects. The results indicate that the process map effectively outlines all the essential steps involved in creating and producing game sound. However, in order to utilise the process map effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the workflows within the game development company is required.
The thesis is constructive research into understanding and creating a process tool for producing game sound as the process owner. The tool must offer flexibility to accommodate unique game projects employing agile project management methods, while also being easy to use and adopt in practice. The main source of material was expert interviews conducted in a Finnish game development company. The interview answers were analysed using themed classification. Material showed the needs of various game developer roles and the desired timing of different tasks in the game sound design process.
The created process tool was tested in a workshop facilitated by the researcher. The workshop’s goal was to produce expert input on the created sound design process tool through discussion. The input was then used to validate and improve the project tool so that it is a viable tool for real game development projects. After the workshop the created process map was revisited and its structure changed to better accommodate modern game development projects. The results indicate that the process map effectively outlines all the essential steps involved in creating and producing game sound. However, in order to utilise the process map effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the workflows within the game development company is required.