As its my first time working in sound for video games, I explored the different softwares and mediums used in the industry with the purpose of getting a base knowledge of what tools are available. I researched into Unity, FMod, Envelop and the FB360 plug-in, all of these tools have surround audio elements that are quite useful for VR audio.

FB360 – is a collection of plug-ins created by facebook with the purpose of creating interactive spatial mixes for 360 sources. It compiles a set of filters, EQ’s, reverbs and spatializers with a straightforward display, towards placing sounds in a 360 field. FB360 can be added into effect chains and can be automated by the DAW, this is very effective towards designing sound for a video as it can be carefully manipulated to sync the visual. Unfortunately you cannot use FB360 directly towards video games, as it is not compatible withe a game engine. To use this sounds will have to be first designed in a DAW using the plug-in and then export it to another game engine.

FMod – is the middle point between a DAW and a video game engine. Audio files can be imported into the software and be edited down to be in the best form and format possible to be exported to a video game engine. In FMod sound libraries can be created where everything is clearly structured to be used in the engine, at the same time it contains audio effect and synthesis effects such as envelopes, reverbs, spatializers and equalisers in able to manipulate the sound sources and give them the character need for the video game. When the FMod project is finished it can be exported into video game specific formats that can later be easily opened in Unity.

Unity – is an actual video game engine, where multiple mediums such as scripts, visual design and audio, come together in order to consolidate a video game. Unity can be used to design 2D, 3D and VR video games. In regards of audio, sound can be placed within the game both as sound sources and music. A mixer interface is also available in order to mix and manipulate all the sounds of the game. Some effects are also available in this stage, to add last touches to the game and giving characters to such sounds.

Envelop – is a set of max for life immersive audio tools, containing panners, mixers and effects created with the purpose of integrating ambisonic sound to Ableton. At the same time the company Envelop promotes and sponsors listening spaces dedicated for ambisonic sound. As this multi-channel plug-in is an integration to a mainly stereo DAW, some sort of signal manipulation is needed to translate the channel information, this could be considered the only non straightforward thing about this tool.

In conclusion I will focus in only using Envelop, as I am an Ableton and Max user, it’s integration to my work flow would be the most compatible. I would love to learn how to use Unity and FMod in the future as they are industry standard tools, but as I’m pretty new to the audio for video games world I want to keep it in field of knowledge for this project, exploiting the tools I already know how to use in a medium that is new to me.