Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

FOR the most part in the sonic world of film, television and theater, sound is used to help immerse the audience and to guide the storytelling itself. This is even more so when playing video games, as good sound design is essential to any game’s success.

Shenzhen Daily recently had the opportunity to speak to Sandy Zhou, a sound designer who considers making convincing auditory experiences her strongest passion.

Zhou was originally on the audio team for “League of Legends” and has led a significant amount of sound design content on skins. She is currently working on an unannounced game at Riot Games, the game developer and publisher best known for “League of Legends” and “Arcane,” the best-selling animated series.

Zhou specializes in sound design, interactive audio design, music composition, audio recording, and audio implementation, creating an overall sonic palette for interactive media. Her job is a perfect combination of art, technology, and science. Before joining Riot Games, Zhou designed audio for several cross-platform games, including “League of Legends: Wild Rift,” “Call of Duty Mobile,” “Teamfight Tactics,” “Legends of Runeterra” and “Ruined King: A League of Legends Story.”

Currently based in Los Angeles, the U.S., Zhou was born in Guangdong Province. She had been studying in Shenzhen from primary school to high school and pursued her music dream at the Berklee College of Music in Boston after graduating from Shenzhen College of International Education.

At Berklee College of Music, Zhou pursued a dual degree in Electronic Production and Sound Design, as well as Film Scoring. Influenced by her peers and professors, her interest in music production slowly transformed into a profound affection for game music and sound, specifically sound design, and interactive audio.

She eventually won two scholarships, the 2020 Game Audio Network Guild Scholarship and the 2020 Game Audio Fund for Women Scholarship. Later, she joined the renowned Hollywood sound production house under the Emmy-winning sound designer Scott Gershin. She has contributed to multiple major games spanning from China to the U.S., showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication in the field of game audio.

“The idea of becoming a game sound designer sprouted during the Game Developer Conference in the spring of 2019. The event provided me with numerous insights, and I observed that those involved in game audio were passionate and eager to share their experiences,” Zhou said.

After attending several professional lectures on game audio, Zhou realized that it was precisely what she wanted to do. Though at that time, she lacked a clear understanding of the job scope and what it would entail, she just had an intense urge to pursue audio within the game industry.

The true beginning of Zhou’s journey into sound design was marked by an invaluable experience she gained during that summer, when she seized the chance to join Tencent TiMi Studios’ audio department in Shanghai, specifically with the “Honor of Kings” team.

“There, I honed my skills in creating interactive sound and music designs. While I didn’t create music myself, I delved into the logic behind designing music playback in games and how to utilize equipment to create sounds. Additionally, I gained knowledge about game engines and middle ware for audio processing, as well as how to collaborate with vendors to meet production deadlines,” Zhou shared.

Growing up with her mother who was a piano teacher, Zhou developed a profound sensitivity to various sounds at a very young age and her passion for interactive audio and music began during her teenage years, fueled by a keen interest in gaming since childhood. She studied harmony, ear training and other music subjects to equip herself initially for a career in music.

“Unlike movies, video games offer a non-deterministic experience where players can make various decisions at any given moment. However, for the player experience to be immersive and believable, the game world must dynamically change and react based on the players’ choices,” she said.

The sound designer explained that her role involves utilizing advanced technology to create a dynamic and responsive audio experience that enhances the overall game play and immerses players in the virtual world, making the game play more thrilling by creating mood, changing tempo, and enhancing emotional depth.

“Ultimately, the success of a sound design work lies in its ability to immediately captivate and engage the audience,” Zhou said.

For those aspiring to pursue a career in sound design, Zhou suggested that it is crucial to practice and cultivate a keen sense of auditory perception. Consistency and maintaining a humble mindset are key attributes for professional success.

Additionally, immersing oneself in the study of games that resonate with personal interests can greatly enhance skills and understanding, according to Zhou. She also strongly recommends newcomers to actively connect and communicate with industry professionals as they are largely very passionate and friendly.