Chase Bethea Guest Speaks at University of Illinois Chicago on the Importance of Game Music in Video Game Development

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity of being a guest speaker at University of Illinois Chicago (my hometown) to discuss the evolving role of video game music and audio in modern game development.

Being invited to speak in Chicago made this experience especially meaningful to me. Thank you Danielle Lalonders for welcoming me to speak with her class and discuss/engage with the students about the importance of  game audio.

Dani’s presentation on how game audio helps define the sonic identity of a game and contributes directly to a title’s long-term success. Sound effects establish atmosphere and memorable musical themes and as well as voice performances that players aurally identify. Game audio plays a critical role in shaping how games are experienced and remembered in addition to strengthening accessibility.

Following her presentation, I shared with students about the importance of considering video game music during the pre-production phase of game development. Not just during production or post-production. Music and sound design are foundational storytelling tools for accessibility, which is most imperative than any other time in game development, and how it can influence world-building, emotional impact, pacing, as well as player immersion from the earliest stages of development.

Educating the next generation of game developers about the pragmatic responsibility of game music and interactive audio continues to be one of the most important aspects of my work. I was incredibly encouraged to hear how excited the students were during and after the discussion, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with future development teams.

I do this.