As an industry, gaming is enormous. It may surprise some to learn that in 2022, the gaming industry’s revenue was much higher than that of the music and movie industries combined. Clearly, gaming is a booming and profitable industry. It employs a variety of professionals from business, technical and creative backgrounds. However, one niche component of the gaming industry is audio, which is a relatively overlooked and underappreciated professional option for musicians and recording engineers.
One option for music professionals interested in entering the gaming industry is to pursue the online Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Technology — Game Audio Technology Emphasis program from Southern Utah University (SUU). This program provides students with the technical skills and insider knowledge needed to explore a fascinating career in gaming audio. It also offers working musicians a chance to develop their skills by engaging in industry-relevant projects and gaining a deeper understanding of current technology within the entertainment industry. For those looking to deepen their passion for music while broadening their expertise and marketability, SUU’s online M.M. in Music Technology — Game Audio Technology Emphasis program is an ideal fit.
The Gaming Industry Dwarfs the Music and Movie Industries Combined
We often think of Hollywood and record labels as the most prominent players in entertainment. But in recent years, video games have arguably taken some of the spotlight away from these older forms of media. “Today, gaming is not just a pastime enjoyed by a niche group of nerdy enthusiasts; it has transformed into an entertainment behemoth that has impressively dwarfed its cinematic and musical counterparts,” according to Forbes.
The numbers are clear: In 2022, the global recorded music industry generated $26.2 billion, while the global movie industry generated $26 billion in box office revenue, according to Forbes. Compare that to gaming, which generated an estimated $184.4 billion in 2022. “The future of entertainment is here, and it’s being played out on TV and computer screens across the world,” Forbes noted.
Audio and Music Technology Jobs in the Gaming Industry
While musicians are probably familiar with video games, they may not know the full range of opportunities for music professionals in the gaming industry. For example, one popular job in the industry is video game music composer. According to Indeed, musicians in this role are responsible for writing and performing music players experience in video games. “The composer’s job is to understand the ambiance of the game and create a musical piece that both enhances the gameplay and adds a theatrical element to the story,” Indeed notes. “Composers work alongside the video game’s producers, designers and voice actors to align their score with the game’s overarching themes.”
Another audio-related role within the gaming industry is audio or sound designer. The soundscape of a game is crucially important to a player’s experience. As Semih Alar, a sound designer and composer who works in video games, observes: “The sound effects and music can make or break the gaming experience.” A video game’s sound design involves music but requires much more. Sound design, according to Alar, “involves creating sound effects…, composing music that fits the game’s atmosphere, and recording voiceovers for characters in the game.”
Expertise and Insider Knowledge With a Game Audio Technology Degree From SUU
The video game industry’s growth is creating new opportunities for audio professionals. Joining this booming and profitable industry offers fascinating career experiences. As Forbes points out, gaming is now “roaring loud across the entire digital landscape and is completely changing the dynamics of the entertainment industry.”
SUU’s online M.M. Music Technology – Game Audio Technology Emphasis program features training in key technical skills and provides vital connections, including professional feedback, group experience with other musicians and networking with industry-relevant experts. The program is an ideal opportunity to get a head start on a career in the future of global entertainment.
Learn more about SUU’s online M.M. in Music Technology – Game Audio Technology Emphasis program.
