If you are an audio enthusiast, working in the video game industry as an audio engineer can be a dream come true for the video gamer lover or aspiring themed entertainment designer. Audio engineers are so integral to the success of a game or attraction that they truly bring a game or ride to life. The soundtrack creates and reinforces the mood as well as a more immersive experience for the player or visitor. They create the sounds of special effects such as explosions, machine guns, and tires squealing. They may also be responsible for the background music; auditioning and recording the actors; and editing, mixing, and mastering.

As games and attractions get more complex, the demand for audio engineers will only increase. In this growing industry, the engineer must have tremendous musical talent as well as technical proficiency. Some days, the job may require creating spoken instructions, other days the engineer may be creating ambient noise such as rain, a crowded street, or an office building. The sounds may be based on real sounds or they may be completely imaginary for a game or attraction that takes place in another world. Other days, the engineer may be composing, scoring, or recording.

To create the sound design for a game, the engineer works from a creative brief from the computer programmer. If a sound doesn’t exist, the engineer will either improve or modify a previously created sound or create it from scratch. They may have to sync a voice to a talking animated figure, or they may have to record the necessary voice. Although English may be their native language, there is always the possibility that the attraction will be shown in France, Japan or Spain.

Sound engineers need excellent communication and teamwork skills. The game designer may have a specific vision that they need to communicate to the audio engineer. The producer may decide to change things at the last minute. The deadlines may be tight and a well-organized audio person will be able to schedule auditions and recordings, and keep up with changes in the schedule or direction of the project. They may also have to keep a record of hundreds of sound effects that were added to the game or attraction.

Companies in the video game or attraction design industry that are hiring this type of engineer will usually look for technical ability but may be more concerned with finding a person who possesses traits such as:

• Resourceful and energetic
• Work well in teams or independently
• Communicates effectively
• Imaginative and creative
• Has a good sense of fun
• Has a wide range of music interests
• Loves games
• Works well under pressure
• Has the ability to compose and play music
• Has recording, editing, and mixing experience
• Is detail oriented

For more information on Theme Park Design Jobs or Engineering Jobs in the Music Industry, pick up a copy of The Fantastical Engineer and/or The Musical Engineer.