"Boing!" and the Many Sounds of Video Games

On March 28th I'll be making a presentation as a part of the 2008 Undergraduate Film Studies Colloquium at Carleton University. My presentation is called '"Boing" and the Many Sounds of Video Games'. Its based on an essay I wrote for a Film Soundtrack class semester. Basically I'll be talking about how video modern video games are very similar to film except that video games allow the audience to control the film. This interactivity inspires sound designers and music composers to experiment with their work in ways that give the audience partial control over the soundtrack of the game. Designers and composers also try to find ways that they can incorporate the viewer into the world of the game. In my presentation I'll be drawing on examples from Super Mario Galaxy, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the Medal of Honor series and new technology such as the Wiimote, Guitar Hero series, Rockband series and educational incorporative sound tools. I'll also touch on several theorists who have written on similar topics.

The presentation is March 28th, 4-7 pm in room 435 in St. Patrick's building at Carleton University.

I'm presenting with 3 other undergrads:

Chris Schultz: Presenting on fact and fiction in the movie Adaptation
Jenn Huzera: Also presenting on sound design...from the movie Rear Window by Hitchcock
Kira V.: I have yet to talk to her

There is also a Q&A session as well as wine and cheese after the presentation. And then I'll probably go out that night too so you're welcome to join me. If anything it would be worth going to see Super Mario Galaxy and Twilight Princess blasting on the big screen for a few minutes!