Sound2Game is a fun learning resource developed by UCan.tv working with Manchester Metropolitan University. Intended for music students at key stages 3 and 4, the fun element is a set of five scenarios that borrow from some of the main genres of electronic games such as “shoot ‘em up” and auto racing. The learning element is applying sound effects and music to the games. The scenarios – gamelets might be a more apt description - are tremendous, addictive, fun and their simple formats allow students to focus on the learning process.
Each game has a set of configurable sound files that can be manipulated by the user. Sounds can be replaced from a set of folders supplied with the program or by files that the students have created themselves. Two further CD-ROMs can be ordered from the Sound2Game website. Also included is a copy of Audacity freeware along with 20 tutorial films explaining the principles of digital audio editing. The Sound2Game resource disk has an additional bank of sound files that can be used with the games.
Sound2Game comes with two sets of useful and very detailed notes. The Sound Design Process describes how to choose appropriate sounds and music for the games. What sort of sounds, for example, work best for fast moving action? How best to suggest a specific atmosphere?
Teaching Notes provides two schemes of work and student worksheets and other support materials. Students are encouraged to analyse the genre, feel, tempo and emotive content of each game before deciding what sounds are appropriate.
Using the instructional movies, students can load up and manipulate audio samples, cut, paste, delete and save their samples. Further suggestions include recording “found sounds” from the school environment and using multi-tracking to produce background music.
And the ultimate incentive for the students is, of course, the opportunity to play the games with their own sound designs. Highly recommended.
Details
Sound2Game
Music software to enable students to compose music for computer games, created by Ucan.tv and Manchester University
Price: £150 for school licence
www.sound2game.net
