THE SOCIAL COMPONENT OF AUDIO DESIGN: EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL IMPACTS ON PLAYERS

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of sound and music in video games, focusing on their impact on players' emotions and behavior. By analyzing existing scientific literature, it identifies how sound design, including music and sound effects, shapes the gaming experience, spatial presence, and players' emotional and cognitive responses. A review of prior research examines the effects of multichannel sound, adaptive music, and audio habits across various video game genres, particularly in the context of horror games, fast-paced games, and educational simulations. Studies show that sound not only influences player engagement and enjoyment but also affects decisions and performance, with emphasis on increasing emotional tension, reducing stress, and enhancing immersion. Moreover, the paper discusses methodological challenges in measuring the impact of sound, as well as limitations in previous studies, which have often overlooked individual audio preferences and genre variations. The scientific contribution of this paper lies in connecting theoretical and empirical findings, providing guidance for future research in the field of sound design in video games.