For over 40 years video games have utilized sounds ranging from simple beeps to extravagant film scores. Often taking a backseat to graphics and story, video game sound effects and music are finally receiving recognition in this 2016 documentary.
BY MUSIC STAFF
Beep: A Documentary History of Game Sound is a film by Karen Collins that was crowdfunded and released quietly in 2016. It gained worldwide popularity amongst industry audiences due to it’s unique perspective, subject matter and killer soundtrack.
Reviewed as a “must for those involved in the making of games”, Beep is a history of game sound, from the early penny operated carnival games and pinball through to the video games of today.
The Most Informative And In-Depth Film Ever Made On The Subject Of Game Music And Sound. If You Love Music For Games, You Have Come To The Right Place.
– Steve Horowitz, Composer, “Super Size Me”
“No longer just the ‘ugly stepchild’ of the games industry, Beep traces the history of game sound from the Victorian penny arcades through pinball and to today’s massive industry of soundtracks and live music,” the film’s description reads. “With clips from over 80 interviews with game composers, sound designers, voice actors and audio directors from around the world, Beep is the definitive documentary on game sound.”
Featuring inteviews from the best of the best including Marty O’Donnell (Halo), Nathan McCree (Tomb Raider), George “The Fat Man” Sanger (7th Guest), Stephan Schutze (Jurassic Park: Operation), Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy), Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts), David Thiel (Q*Bert) and Winifred Phillips (God of War, Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation), among others.
We recommend this for all of those who are working in game development or curious about the process and people involved. One thing is for sure. Video games bring in more revenue than the entire film industry so the demand is growing for talent that can help push a story through sound and music.