Voices inside your head: Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
When it comes to voice design in games, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice really stands out, especially with how it uses voice acting to bring Senua’s mental struggles to life.
The voices she hears aren’t just there for atmosphere—they’re an essential part of the story and gameplay. These voices create a deeply immersive experience that draws you right into Senua’s head, making you feel what she feels.
Hi, I’m Caio Isaías, a Sound Designer at Flutu. I’ve been invited to share a series of articles that reflect my personal universe and preferences—ones I’m confident my teammates at Flutu also resonate with and fully support. It’s a pleasure to write for you, and I hope you enjoy this journey through some of my favorite soundscapes and insights.
What’s so fascinating is how these voices work on two levels. On one hand, they represent Senua’s inner thoughts, constantly flipping between pushing her forward or tearing her down. Sometimes they cheer her on, and sometimes they drown her in doubt, perfectly capturing her emotional highs and lows. This keeps you, the player, on edge, as the voices mirror Senua’s shifting mental state in real-time.
But it’s not just about the story. The voices also play a huge role in gameplay. They act as guides, warning you about dangers you can’t see—like an enemy sneaking up from behind during a fight. This makes the sound design a critical tool for survival, not just an add-on. The whole audio system is intricately tied into how the game plays, making it way more immersive.
The real magic is in the game’s use of binaural audio, which makes the voices feel like they’re moving around your head. If you play with headphones, it’s like the voices are literally surrounding you, adding a layer of psychological intensity that’s both unsettling and incredible at the same time.
In Hellblade, sound design isn’t just a background element—it’s a core part of the experience, blending perfectly with both gameplay and story. It’s a masterclass in how audio can elevate a game to the next level.
About the Author
Caio Isaías is a sound designer, audio engineer, and a passionate lover of video games. Known for his unwavering love for Dota and his deep knowledge of indie games you’ve probably never heard of, Caio has contributed to a variety of projects at Flutu. At Flutu, he brings not only his expertise as a gamer but also the technical prowess of a sound scientist, essential to our productions. Want to learn more about Caio? Visit his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caiosoundesign
HELLBLADE SENUA’S SACRIFICE Full Gameplay Walkthrough / No Commentary【FULL GAME】4K UHD
The Magic Behind Sound Design in Sports Games: EA FC, PES, NBA, and NHL
When you’re playing a sports game like EA FC, PES, NBA 2K, or NHL, it’s not just the visuals that make you feel like you’re in the middle of a real match—it’s the sound.
Hi, I’m Caio Isaías, a Sound Designer at Flutu. I’ve been invited to share a series of articles that reflect my personal universe and preferences—ones I’m confident my teammates at Flutu also resonate with and fully support. It’s a pleasure to write for you, and I hope you enjoy this journey through some of my favorite soundscapes and insights.
The roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers on a hardwood court, or the thud of a puck hitting the boards are all part of a meticulously crafted audio experience. Sound design and foley recording are key to making these virtual matches feel real, and the amount of detail that goes into it is nothing short of impressive.
Capturing the Game
In sports games, foley (the art of interpretation and recording sounds) is used to replicate every noise you’d hear on the field, court, or rink. For games like EA FC (formerly FIFA) and PES, the recording teams capture the sound of real-life actions—kicks, tackles, and even the subtle rustling of grass. It’s not just about getting the right sound, but about getting the right feeling. The “thump” when a player hits a long-range shot or the satisfying swish of the net in NBA 2K is carefully designed to evoke the same excitement you’d feel watching the real sport.
Immersion Through Detail
One of the most impressive aspects of sound design in sports games is how it adapts. In NHL games, for instance, the crowd’s intensity rises and falls based on the action on the ice. A late-game goal or a big hit will make the virtual arena erupt, while quieter moments let you hear the clink of skates or the slap of a stick. Foley artists recreate these moments by mimicking real-life sounds, whether it’s recording an actual puck hitting glass or using props to simulate body checks.
Ultimately, it’s the blending of these precise sound effects with dynamic crowd reactions and ambient noise that creates a fully immersive experience. It’s easy to overlook, but without this attention to detail, the magic of sports games wouldn’t be the same!
About the Author
Caio Isaías is a sound designer, audio engineer, and a passionate lover of video games. Known for his unwavering love for Dota and his deep knowledge of indie games you’ve probably never heard of, Caio has contributed to a variety of projects at Flutu. At Flutu, he brings not only his expertise as a gamer but also the technical prowess of a sound scientist, essential to our productions. Want to learn more about Caio? Visit his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caiosoundesign
