In the video "How to make UI sounds for Games" by Gravity Sound, the creator demonstrates the process of creating user interface (UI) sounds for video games. The video emphasizes the importance of cohesive and complimentary sounds to enhance the overall gaming experience. The tutorial covers the creation of different UI sounds, including menu navigation, open and close menu, option select, save, and error, using music intervals and psychological tricks to evoke specific emotions.
The creator begins by stressing the significance of sound in video games, as poor sound can detract from the gaming experience. UI sounds are among the most frequently heard in games, as they accompany actions such as character selection, data input, and game saving. To create a set of UI sounds, the tutorial recommends using the same instrument for each sound, ensuring a consistent and cohesive feel. The tutorial uses Logic Pro X, but free software alternatives are mentioned in the video description.
To generate ideas for the theme, the creator suggests cycling through presets and experimenting with different instruments. Synths are recommended for sci-fi themes, while mallet instruments like xylophones are suitable for kid-friendly themes. For menu navigation sounds, the tutorial uses a single note (C) as the root, which sets the tone for the rest of the UI sounds.
For open and close menu sounds, three ascending notes are used for the open sound, while three descending notes are used for the close sound, starting from the root note. The major third and perfect fifth intervals are incorporated to evoke feelings of joy, hope, friendliness, and brightness, as well as cheerfulness, stability, power, and home. The creator notes that reversing the order of the menu open sound can be used for the menu close sound to create a sense of unity.
The option select sound is created using three ascending notes paired with the perfect fifth and octave intervals, starting with the root. Octave intervals evoke emotions of openness, completeness, and lightheartedness. For the save sound, three ascending notes are used once again, paired with the perfect fourth and octave intervals, starting with the root. Perfect fourth intervals can make the listener feel serene, angelic, and light. The creator suggests experimenting with spacing, as save sounds can ring out nicely.
Finally, for the error sound, two descending notes are used, paired with the tritone and octave interval. Unlike the other sounds, the error sound starts from the octave and then adds the tritone. Tritones invoke feelings of violence, danger, wickedness, horror, and the devil.
In conclusion, the video tutorial by Gravity Sound provides a comprehensive guide to creating UI sounds for video games using music intervals and psychological tricks. By following the steps and techniques presented, game developers can create cohesive and evocative soundscapes that enhance the overall gaming experience.
