A NEW APPROACH AND GUIDLINE FOR LOUDNESS IN GAME AUDIO : Developing Specific Loudness Standards for Each Section of Game Audio

Abstract: Audio plays a crucial role in the immersive and emotional experience of playing videogames, and loudness is a key aspect of game audio that can greatly impact player engagement and immersion. There are existing loudness standards such as AES-EBU R128, which is mostly commonly used by social media platforms such as YouTube and Spotify. Moreover, SONY has developed the Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Loudness Standard for maintaining consistent and balanced loudness levels in game audio as well. However, there is a need for more section-specific standards that consider the unique requirements of different genres and elements of game audio. This thesis is proposing a new approach to loudness standardization for game audio by analyzing existing standards, identifying their limitations, and evaluating the impact of loudness on the gaming experience. The results have implications for game developers and audio designers, potentially enhancing player immersion and engagement.