Essential Sound Design Principles for Updating Live Service Mobile Games

The evolution of live service games has led to a more iterative and dynamic game development process. To maintain player engagement, new content is regularly introduced, including season passes, DLC expansions, and new chapters, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting for dedicated players. As games grow and expand, the demand for creative resources also increases. For sound designers tasked with updating and expanding sound assets for existing games, it is crucial to consider different needs and expectations compared to creating audio from scratch. When joining a studio team or working as an outsource audio producer, understanding the existing sound profile and its stylistic expectations is vital. In the case of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, updating the sounds for hero Franco, introduced in 2016, required a deep understanding of the character's sound identity. As a dwarven character, the sounds needed to be heavy, earthy, and metallic, with additional layers adding depth and complexity. To achieve this, the team focused on quickly absorbing key details about the existing sound range and distilling the needs upfront to efficiently record and edit. When recording from scratch, it is essential not to dwell on a single effect and instead test various ideas quickly to arrive at the ideal sound. Protecting the integrity of iconic sounds while improving their fit with current actions, animations, and story elements is crucial. Live service games are constantly evolving, making it necessary to refresh existing characters and sound assets to prevent stagnation and re-engage players. Using sound libraries can be a valuable asset in setting a baseline for sound quality and kickstarting the creative process. However, it is essential to treat samples with a unique flavor and refine them to fit the game's needs. Mobile devices have technical limitations that can impact audio quality, so it is vital to keep in mind how and where the game will be played. Testing sounds in the same context as the player experience, using various handheld devices and headphones, helps determine what to keep and what to refine for the best effect. Additionally, considering the potential public setting of gameplay, it is crucial to balance sound design with sensitivity to the player's environment. By testing sounds in different locations and at various times, sound designers can ensure the audio is engaging and effective in different contexts, ultimately creating a better-sounding game.