Dolby: Audio is under-appreciated by the media

Speaking to Develop in today’s Audio Special feature Dolby’s senior marketing manager of PC and games for Europe Jane Gillard as revealed her disappointment at the lack of attention the efforts of game audio teams are given by both the press and those advertising product.

"We definitely feel that game audio has been long overshadowed by graphics," stated Gillard, adding: "but things are improving and it is great to see more and more publishers using full orchestral recordings and professional effects in their games. This has been commonplace for years in cinema and Hollywood has tradionally had a better appreciation of the important role that audio plays in delivering a great entertainment experience. As game developers want to raise the bar, then they will need to ensure that their audio teams get the proper resources and exposure.

"From a media and marketing perspective, it is horribly disappointing when we read a review or an advert for a game that makes no mention of the audio – particularly when we know the amount of time and effort that the audio crew for that game put in to make the game sound great, which happens far too often. Game audio definitely deserves more column inches and audio teams need a lot more love."

To read the full feature, click here, and be sure to check our features section for the rest of our Audio Special, which will continue to be added to for the rest of this week.