Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs Discussion Topic Part 1

[The Bright Side]

Hey Sam, thanks so much for posting here and sharing insights into your work with the community. This means a lot and is just one more reason why I love the independent gaming world. From what you have been writing so far, I do have a few questions and concerns.

Not sure I understand the comment about no 5.1. You say that implementing 5.1 surround requires "investment into the engine", but the engine already supports 5.1. I played through Amnesia TDD in Surround and it worked splendidly. Do I understand correctly that you are saying its successor will be in stereo? And here I was, thinking that era ended somewhere around Doom/Duke Nukem 3D.

Amnesia TDD had 5.1 sound and to me, it was one of the main reasons why it worked so well. I was under the impression that 5.1 sound is a standard in modern games? It's been a while since I've seen any that didn't support it (discounting adventure games or 2D platformers). EDIT: I'm planning to give Dear Esther a spin tonight or tomorrow. Heard some of its beautiful sound in youtube clips already, and look forward to it. Makes me hopeful either way, and happy to see you on board.

Especially for a horror game, which relies so much on positioning sound effects (e.g. the sound of something chasing you coming from the rears), 5.1 Sorround sound is obligatory, no?

Regarding your method, on the one hand, I applaud you for not succumbing to the "Loudness War", and actually counting on dynamics. On the other hand, I am a bit scared (and not in a good way) that this could go the way of most mainstream horror movies, which trade real suspense and dread for cheap jump scares. I just can't help thinking of that when you mention scares accompanied by sudden spikes in sound. TDD didn't need that, and I'd hate for Pigs to rely on it.

When playing the first Amnesia, I didn't exactly monitor my sound levels, so I don't know how much dynamics are in there. I do know that its sound design was nothing short of a masterpiece. Here's the thing though: at no point did TDD rely on jump scares à la "BOO! It's just a cat". The terror was always real and tangible, and rarely ever surprising - it crept up on you and you knew it was coming. I truly hope Pigs won't go in the cheap-thrills direction instead.

Anyway, just kicking around ideas. Love to read your comments. Thanks so much for sharing!