Computer / console game Survey - Needs YOUR Input!

I hope ATS doesn't mind me putting this here in the off-topic section.

I'm basically doing a survey for university and wanted your opinions on computer game sound / music:

--


Note: The term ‘computer’ can also relate to consoles and hand-held gaming devices, the term ‘computer’ is to be used generically.



1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?


2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?



3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?


4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?


5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?


6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.


7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?


8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?


8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.


9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?


10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.


Thankyou

reply to post by mr-lizard


First of all... that was alot of questions but I will give it ago..since im a major gamer nerd since the mid 90´s



1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?

-8




2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?

-1





3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?

-only noticed the change from midi sounds to mp3...but only in sound effects, I turn off music if possible.




4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?

-Only recall one game that I love playing with music on, that was accendency





5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?

-99 negatively... I think music is personal.. and not somehing a game can "choose" for you




6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.

-Look at answer 4, that one hit the space theme right on the money, also the game "ufo defence"




7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?

-Look at answer 4, it takes your mind into space, beutiful colorful and alive.. guess thats my personal feelings when hearing this




8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?

-The sounds from "ultimate doom" and "doom2" the sounds of the monsters was beliveble and scary as fu.. at that time, who cant remember the first time they picked up the chainsaw.. and heard that sound



8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.

-Not so much no, because there is a limit to how many sounds we can hear, but the way we gonna listen to the sounds are gonna change alot




9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?

-No question about it, surely 8bit.. just listen to rambo c64 8 bit style here:




10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.

--Only recall one game that I love playing with music on, that was accendency

reply to post by mr-lizard


1. 9
2. 10
3. After HOMM3 very little efforts were made in music department. Most games are generic and shallow.
4. Can have exceptions of course. Experimental games, in house games, etc. Multiplayer games...
5. Positively... of course.
6. Well, music should reflect the mood and atmosphere in the game so it is very dependant on type of game.
7. Heroes (HOMM) and "Magic & Mayhem" (original) had incredible music. Borderlands also has some great themes though. It is not so often in modern games.
8. Dunno... Doom maybe? I remember it was freaky as hell. HOMM has really sweet sound effects for just about anything you do and never gets annoying.
10. M&M as mentioned before had an impact and Borderlands as well.... really great music. When you turn it off the mood is different.

Happy to help....

1. 9/10

2.5/10 If its sandbox like GTA the music has to fit the setting other than that it matters not.

3. The sounds have become far more realistic, music has become more mainstream hits rather than specially developed.
4. I think all games need sound effects AND music, both help to draw you into the game more.

5. If the track list is too short it becomes annoying and can frustrate the gaming experience.

6. Mario has cartoony sounds and music, more serious games have darker more complex music and SFX.

7. The original GTA theme, I think it suited the game really well and was just a cool track.

8. The menu sound from grand turismo... annoying.

8. Yes, I think custom soundtracks will become more and more widely used.

9. 16 bit, I think? Super mario 64. The snez was my 1st ever console.

10. GTA Vice City, the 80's music was great.

You have made me realise I have way too much time on my hands lol. Hope my answers were helpful.

Thanks to everyone so far, VERY much appreciated.

Hi there OP... To answer your questions:

1) Sounds effects are very important. So, a 9.

2) The music in games is usually poorly composed and irritating. So, a 1.

3) Sound effects better, music still not good.

4) No, some games could be run silently. But most work better with sound FX.

5) Yes. I normally mute the mute as it's a distraction.

6) Most games I've played are pretty active and involve destruction. So the sounds they use associate well. The music, as I said, is generally below par.

7) I don't have one. (See above answers.)

8) Incredibly realistic explosion sounds, including the ping of shrapnel off objects after initial blast.

9) I certainly hope it will be and I expect this will happen. The music of '80s games was abysmal.

10) I don't feel qualified to answer that as I lack the knowledge of how many bits they all are.

11) None of them.


Regards,

Mike

reply to post by mr-lizard


1. I would give sound effects a 7

2. Music is not very important about a 2

3. I noticed the sound clarity has greatly advanced along with the visual effects they have become more realistic.

4. I would think that every game needs sounds as an absolute must and music just helps to boost up your adrenaline so it is helpful but not necessary.

5. As stated in number four depending on the music it can help give me more adrenaline which helps enhance my gaming experience.

6. For certain military games music is not expected while games such as using fist fighting, swords or arena music such as rock is best for that game which adventure games usually do well with games without speech or heavy instruments.

7. I do not remember the genre of music or the title of the song but I know it was on PS1 game Spyro.

8. I believe it changes with the culture of the time so yes.

9. Errr can’t answer that question, really don’t know it in that detail.

10. As stated in number 7 I believe the soundtracks off of the Spyro games were very good and I notice them occasionally on television shows.

Question for you, why did you choose the subject of computer game music?

S+F

1) 6.5


2) 5 depends really, sometimes I want to enjoy the ambience of the game. yet if its got kick ass tune then thats cool, however it must be a game where I don't need to listen for foot steps and the such...



3) Not much really, I consider the original Command and Conquer to have the best sound track.


4) We Need SFX, and less cheesy voice overs.


5) It can set the tone, great when you have spooky music with a spooky setting, a lot of times devs get it wrong.


6) For futuristic games I like techno, for deathmatch type games metal is appreciated even if accoustic. GTA? Rap.


7) Command and Conquer, wicked techno, Mechanical Man I think its called was uber.


8) That hoof sounds demons made in DOOM.

8) Not all that much sound quality just improves, they had to work with what they had, I can recall games from 7 bit and 16 bit days that have better music than some of the dull crap they churn out now.


9) 8bit/16bit, Shadowrun for Genesis had some great tunes.


10) Command and Conquer, it was in 95? I was getting into electronic music ala Aphex Twin / nin / Chem bros


You're Welcome.

reply to post by SassyCat


I thought it was might and magic...

1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?
5


2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?
6


3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?
Better, more cinematic style


4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?
Not sure


5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?
Positively


6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.
Metal Gear Solid, you want orchestral and tension building music.

Racing you probably expect fast paced electro kinda stuff


7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?
Metal Gear Solid - The Best Is Yet to Come

Moving ey


8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?
the "!" alert sound from MGS series

8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.
Yes


9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?
8bit or 16bit, the old mario games accomplished alot with what they had

10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.
Metal Gear Solid

reply to post by mr-lizard

1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?

9.

2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?

10.

3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?

The quality (technically speaking) has improved: I like that DVD quality audio is now the norm. The music still varies from annoying to great depending on the game, but at least I can listen to it in surround sound.

4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?

It would depend on the type of game. A horror style game might benefit from a lack of music to add to the general scariness, like what Kubrick did in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?

Yes. Games like the Grand Theft Auto series are more enjoyable because the "right" type of music is featured.


6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.

Not really. The "right" Break-beat track might work just as well as the "right" thrash metal track in a given game.


7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?

Spy Hunter:



It's just cool.

8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?

I don't remember which, but an NES game had a 8-bit synth recreation of glass breaking that always fascinated me.

8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.

Probably. Games in 20 years will likely feature whatever style happens to be popular at the moment, like the current generation of games do. As far as the 80's game music goes, I love it, personally. But I like the modern stuff too because it's stuff I'd listen to in the car on the way to work.

9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?

8bit. I'm a synth freak and those games have sentimental value to me.

10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.

I gotta say Spy Hunter again.

Hope this helps.


-TheAssoc.

Awww yeah! Goodness right thar!

I answered these, to the best of my ability.

1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?
-10

2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?
-9


3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?
I don't think the music and sound have changed much.

4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?
For me, yes. The music in a game, just makes it better.

5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?
Yes, positively.

6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.
Halo 3



7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?
Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, Hyrule Castle theme. The music, suits the castle.

8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?
The sword slash from the Zelda games.

8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.
No, not by much.

9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?
Got no idea there, sir. Sorry.

10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.
Halo 3. The music, was just phenomenal.

1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?
8


2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?
5


3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?
Lots more licensed music, better sound effects overall. Though the addition of surround sound & a high quality audio system vs years ago when my game sounds were generated from the stock TV speakers should be noted as well.


4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?
Not all need them, such as puzzle style games (Tetris, Mahjongg solitare, solitare, etc.) but those that don't "need" them I usually play with some other source of music playing in the background.


5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?
For some games, yes. Bioshock, for example, featured licensed music from the 40's and made the immersion into the game world a lot easier. Brutal Legend is another game in which the music set the tone perfectly.


6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples
Aside from the obvious sound effect connections such as gunfire in shooters and engine sounds in racing games, not really. Game genres are such a catch-all that there really isn't one particular type of music I'd expect to fit most or all games in a particular genre. I think the theme of a game is more appropriate to match a style of music to. (Tense music for survival horror, upbeat, happy music for lighthearted platformers, etc.).


7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?
The Mario theme. It really is the game music of my generation.


8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?
The 'crunching' sound when Mario went down a pipe.


8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.
Not to the same degree as the changes we've seen the past 20 years... at least quality-wise. Content-wise, yes. The Xbox 360 tried to do something which didn't really work the way it was supposed to due to poor forward thinking and resistance from developers, but I think they were on the right track with their idea of being able to play your own soundtracks seamlessly in any game. I expect the next generation of consoles to work out the problem of the custom soundtrack stepping on the game's programmed sound effects & spoken dialogue, and we will see most games played with the gamer's personal choice of music rather than the developer's.


9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?
Wow, iconic? Well, I gotta say 8 bit was more iconic because of that generation being the birthplace of most of videogaming's most iconic themes (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Castlevania, ect). But if it was biggest leap/must impressive at the time, then I'd say16 bit. The SNES with it's little Sony chip was able to play back pre-recorded tracks, including lyrics. Big leap from MIDI beeps and bloops of the 8-bit generation.


10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.
Easy one... Brutal Legend. NOT a great game by itself. Great symbology in the game, but the play mechanics & stratedy aspects really aren't my thing. However, throw 40 classic heavy metal songs into the game and it became one of my favorite games to play.

Originally posted by mr-lizard
1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important are sound effects in your computer game experience?

8

2) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How important is music in your computer game experience?

3

3) What changes (if any) have you noticed in the next generation of computer games in regards to the sound and music?

Much clearer for a start, and when they do have music, a lot of the time, its done by real music artists.

4) Do all styles of computer games need sound and music, or can we have exceptions to this rule?

I think every game needs sound, it helps put you into the game a bit more, wether it be the sounds of a sports game (eg in Madden), or the distinct sound of weapon being fired (eg MW2). Music isnt always necessary during game play, but in some cases it does help. For example, in Fallout 3, you get a change in pace and aggresiveness of the music when you are in combat

5) Does the influence of the music affect your game playing experience (either positively or negatively)?

Neither to be honest

6) Do you associate or expect types of music and sounds with different types and styles of games? Give examples.

The best example I have seen is in the old playstation game series "Wipeout". Because it was set in a futuristic environment, the makers intorduced, electronica and trance music. Other such as Madden always have real artists playing during their menu screens. Again, the music is always suited to the game

7) What is your most memorable piece of computer game music? Also why?

Wipeout as I stated above

8) What is your most memorable sound effect from a computer game?

I think the dialogue from the modern warfare series is the best...hard to say why, but it really does immerse you in the game.

8) Do you think computer game music will be different in twenty years time? Compare to today’s standards of computer game music to music back in the 1980’s.

Not sure to be honest. Hard to see it changing to much

9) What generation of computer game music was the most iconic? 8bit / 16bit / 32 bit/ 64 bit/ 128 bit or the latest generation? What do you suppose influenced your answer?

I think the 64 bit was the most significant. It was at this time that the introudction of real music and proper voice were intorudced into the gaming community.

10) Name a computer game that has made an impact on your gaming experience based solely on the music track alone.

Thankyou

Wipeout

reply to post by JustMike

OP, just linking to my own posted answer to save time.

Where I said

5) Yes. I normally mute the mute as it's a distraction.

I actually meant "I normally mute the music as it's a distraction." Okay that might seen obvious, but as this is for your Uni research I'd like it to be unequivocal.

All the best with your survey -- and your studies!

Mike