Processes and tools for sound design in computer games

This paper is a survey of the process and technology used in sound design for video games. The first part of the paper addresses the general state of the art in the design of video games: market and technology constraints, production process, game design and level design practices, game engines. The second part is devoted to the sound aspects of games: sound components, interactive composition, sound engines. We analyze the probable evolution of this technology from mixed recorded sound to generative composition. As a conclusion we discuss how sound designers who are not interested in video games can use the game technology and, reciprocally, what game designers can gain from the development in other fields of interactive music.