Title: Viking Ghost Hunt: creating engaging sound design for location-aware applications

Authors: Natasa Paterson; Gavin Kearney; Katsiaryna Naliuka; Tara Carrigy; Mads Haahr; Fionnuala Conway

Addresses: Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland ' Department of Theatre, Film and Television, The University of York, East Campus, Baird Lane, York YO10 5GB, UK ' School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland ' School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland ' School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland ' Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Abstract: In this paper, we present and describe the sound design and audio evaluation of Viking Ghost Hunt, a location-aware game based around important historical locations in Dublin, Ireland. We describe the novel approach taken in developing an engaging soundscape for location-aware games in mobile multimedia devices that highlight the importance of spatial audio and reverberation in the subjective sensation of engagement with the game. In particular, we present how the level difference and temporal separation between the direct sound of the sound object, the early reflections and the diffuse reverberant field influence this engagement. Results obtained from this investigation in regards to reverberation and engagement may therefore inform future location-aware sound designs.

Keywords: location-aware gaming; sound design; audio evaluation; engagement; immersion; presence; mobile multimedia; multimedia devices; reverberation; spatialisation; location awareness; historical locations; Dublin; Ireland; engaging soundscape.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2013.050692

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2013 Vol.6 No.1, pp.61 - 82

Published online: 01 Dec 2012 *

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