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In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the development budgets of new MMOs. To stay ahead of the technological curve, a large portion of the budget invariably goes toward the graphics department. Studios produce impressive graphics engines and mountains of art assets in an effort to make their game one of the most visually impressive out there. Amidst all the fuss over graphics and gameplay, audio is often overlooked and underfunded. It's been shown that good music and sound effects can have a significant impact on the perceived quality of a game. This is something that some development studios recognise and support but many continue to neglect this vital part of the gaming experience.

In this article, I examine the importance of good audio in an MMO and explain the underlying psychology involved.

Continue reading The importance of good audio in an MMO

MassivelyThe importance of good audio in an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioblack-prophecychoireveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifantasyfeaturedindustryjoystiqfeaturesmoodmusicorchestrapsychologysci-fisoundworld of warcraftworld-of-warcraftWorldOfWarcraftMon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Unforgettable MMO music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-daily-grind-unforgettable-mmo-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-daily-grind-unforgettable-mmo-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-daily-grind-unforgettable-mmo-music/#commentsFiled under: ,

For some, the music in MMOGs is just something to be listened to the first time through, then flipped off in favor of our own particular mix. For others, music in MMOGs is not only really enjoyable, but something we seek out and will even occasionally listen to when not playing! (This blogger still gets goosebumps when listening to the opening strains of the EverQuest theme song.) From great EBM in EVE Online and the fight music in The Matrix Online to more orchestral/choral pieces like those in Age of Conan and World of Warcraft (Lament of the Highborne anyone?) there's a lot of really great MMOG music out there.

If you had to pick some of your favorite MMO songs, what would they be? Do you have any nostalgia choices in your mix? How about new favorites? Which ones jump to mind as part of your gaming experience that you'll never forget?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Unforgettable MMO music originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 May 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choirin-game-musicmmog-musicmusicopinionorchestrathe-daily-grindSat, 24 May 2008 08:05:00 EST