Designing Immersive and Adaptive Wind Soundscapes for Interactive Media : workflow strategies for recording, stylization, and spatialization in Wwise

Abstract

Wind plays a critical role in immersive game environments, enhancing both realism and atmosphere. Traditional approaches typically rely on either synthesized wind, which often lacks organic complexity, or pre-recorded loops, which are non-adaptive and can sound static. This thesis investigates workflows and techniques for designing loopable, dynamically mixed wind elements that integrate Real-Time Parameter Controls (RTPCs) and Fifth-Order Ambisonics spatialization within Wwise. The objective is to establish an efficient, scalable pipeline for creating high-quality, immersive, and adaptive wind soundscapes.

The research examines the recording, processing, and implementation of modular wind layers, identifying optimal methods for capturing, editing, and spatializing wind to support seamless looping and real-time adaptability. Field recordings were conducted using multiple microphone techniques, processed for loopability and stylization, and integrated into Wwise Blend Containers for dynamic mixing. In addition to practical experimentation, expert interviews with professionals in game audio, spatial sound design, and recording technologies were used to refine the methodologies and validate technical decisions. Particular emphasis was placed on balancing stereo stylization, Ambisonics spatialization, and computational efficiency to ensure the workflow remains adaptable across diverse interactive contexts.

Rather than evaluating a single system, the thesis analyses methodologies, tools, and expert insights that inform an effective wind audio pipeline. It outlines best practices for multi-layered wind design, Ambisonics integration, and real-time implementation in game engines. Findings underscore the importance of modular layering, RTPC-driven mixing, and spatial audio optimization in achieving lifelike environmental soundscapes for games, virtual reality, and other forms of interactive media.

This work contributes to the field of interactive audio by presenting a structured approach to adaptive wind sound design, identifying key techniques that enhance immersion while maintaining technical performance. Future research may explore procedural wind synthesis, advanced occlusion modelling, and expanded strategies for real-time audio mixing to further advance adaptive environmental sound design.