During this sound design process, the sounds of deer were a particularly crucial yet challenging aspect. In order to find sound effects that better matched the quieter tone of the game world, I conducted comparative research into the calls of different species of deer.

Audio Source

Sound effects sourced from:
Aigei

In choosing appropriate deer sounds for the game, I compared the calls of various deer species, principally Elk and reindeer and, to a lesser extent sika deer. As I researched, I learned that the elk’s calls are usually loud and sharp. Also, sometimes, their calls have a more aggressive tone. Sounds like honks and shouting may come rather naturally in real life, but using these sounds directly in the game made the atmosphere feel too tense.

Secondly, the sound of Reindeer is generally high-pitched and loud, this type of sound also felt more stressful during gameplay, which is not particularly in keeping with the game’s aim to provide a soothing and relaxing experience.

In contrast, the call of the Sika deer is softer and more rhythmic, it sounds more natural and blends more easily into the forest environment. The sound is still noticeable to the player, but feels softer and more natural within the environment.

Through this comparison of deer sounds, I’ve come to realise that sound design in games doesn’t necessarily have to strive for absolute realism.

Some sounds, whilst common in real-world environments, may not necessarily suit the current atmosphere or player experience when incorporated into a game.

Rather than striving for a perfect reproduction of real animal sounds, the choices made this time will lean more towards sounds that align with the current overall tone of Soul Keeper.

Consequently, in the final version, I have chosen to use the sounds of the sika deer as the primary direction for the current deer-related ambient sounds.