I am always interested in granular analyses of user interaction and computer games. In this case, Böttcher, Martínez, and Serafin have tested the impact of procedural audio on players of two selected computer games. Procedural audio is sound generated on the fly in real time. It is typically derived from a data source such as the motion controller in computer games. A greater number of audio events are instantiated from non-linear games where user decisions, movements, and narrative are less predictable. The narrative in role-playing games (RPGs) such as The Witcher or Age of Wonders typically has parts of both linear and non-linear play, but, as the authors explain, Wii games yield more motion control data as they generate substantially more user movement.

In this study, the authors’ intent was to examine the degree to which procedural audio affects user behavior in contrast to the more commonly used sample-based audio. They tested whether users themselves noticed any difference in-game between the two, and if any difference was noticed in their game control when procedural audio was implemented. Three experiments are described and evaluated. Interestingly, results did not indicate that players actually noticed much, if any, sound difference in each of the three experiments. The user evaluation was qualitative and users were given a selection of questions. In hindsight, this may not have been the best approach for evaluating results. Perhaps adapting a neurological observation process would return alternative results or confirm those found in this study.

Substantial work was done in preparing the audio, and anyone interested digital sound generation or composition may find the process of interest. Those working with other models, such as belief-desire-intention (BDI), may find this to be an alternative sound production process. The results were disappointing, but may yield something using a different data collection or evaluation process.