Hiring Audio Professionals - A Guide - ACT I: "Is Audio Even THAT Important?"

Welcome to part one of four of my comprehensive guide, geared towards helping commissioning parties identify the areas that require attention when hiring an audio professional. In this series, I will be sharing key lessons learned from years of discussions with industry professionals - including film directors, game developers, and fellow composers. I've been on this end of these interactions and have been asked the same questions time and again. While I’m always happy to provide answers (it's part of the job) - I believe it’s worthwhile to share my experiences to save you some guesswork. As the series unfolds, we will explore a variety of topics that are crucial for anyone looking to navigate the audio landscape effectively; these include the importance of sound design and its ideal synergy with music, the complexities involved in budgeting for audio projects, as well as the essential criteria for identifying a good composer. Perhaps you're a composer yourself. I'm not questioning your abilities by any means - instead, I aim to highlight principles that I strive to embody in my own collaborations. These aren't things that I'm saying you're doing wrong, these are things that I've noticed that, when done right, can lead to a more rewarding process and outcome for everyone involved.

I encourage you to share your thoughts, questions and experiences in the comments section below. Your engagement is valuable. I look forward to hearing your perspectives as we navigate these important topics together!

In this post, we will focus on ACT I: “Is audio even that important?”  Of course, I'll argue that it is; this is my livelihood after all. However, I recognise that many may not fully understand why audio matters.

IS AUDIO EVEN THAT IMPORTANT?

Let's kick things off with an excerpt from an actual conversation with a real developer:

Whilst I understand this mindset (sort of), I completely disagree. “The audio guy disagrees that sound is not important? Shocking...” Alright smart arse, just bear with me here.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

Yes, it is obvious. Music is the invisible thread that ties players and viewers to the emotional core of your game or film. Whether it’s during an intense battle or a tender cutscene, music shapes the emotional arc in ways visuals alone can’t. I’m not going to labour this point.

WHAT ABOUT BRAND IDENTITY?

Wouldn’t it be great if, when people aren’t playing your game, they’re somehow still thinking about it? Maybe even humming a tune, one that’s somehow... inextricably intertwined with the game itself? Imagine that... your game has its own musical identity. Blimey, wouldn’t that be something.

Okay, it's been said that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, I'll stop there. Though seriously, think about the game soundtracks that are instantly recognisable: Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, the DOOM reboot... even your mum knows the Mario theme. Oh, and when I tell people I write music for games, you wouldn’t believe how many times someone starts humming the Tetris theme. As bloody irritating and awkward as that is in the moment, it does drive home a critical point: Musical themes become an extension of your project’s identity. People don’t just remember characters or visuals; if the music is done right, they’ll remember that. A well-crafted score doesn’t just complement your project, it becomes part of your brand.

A haunting melody lingering in their minds, a tender motif embedded in their hearts, forever connecting itself to the emotions and story they've just experienced. And in so doing, transforming a visual experience into something unforgettable. Sappy, yes. Doesn't make it any less true. Music done right becomes its own character, deepening the narrative and leaving a lasting impression.

Think about your favourite films without their iconic scores. The Psycho shower scene without those screeching strings? Or Star Wars without John Williams’ triumphant fanfare? It’s not the same. In fact, I’d wager you can sing more movie themes than you can name five characters from those very films. I can’t name five characters from Jurassic Park, but I can definitely hum the theme (we aren’t counting dinosaurs. Nice try, though!). Whether it’s gaming or film, a great score isn’t just there to complement what’s on-screen; it becomes part of the project’s DNA. Done well, the music elevates the whole experience and creates a lasting impression that stays with people, long after the credits roll.

IMMERSION

A well-scored soundtrack is essential for world-building. It deepens immersion, creating a soundscape that makes everything more believable and engaging. It’s the difference between

feeling like a passive observer and feeling fully inside the world that’s been created. Sound can seem a subtle tool, though take it away and suddenly, that lush, immersive world feels a lot less compelling. You’re left with a visual captivating experience but not an emotional one.

NARRATIVE ELEVATION

Music is a storyteller in its own right. It signals transitions, marks character development, and highlights dramatic tension. Imagine a moment in your production where the stakes are rising: the music builds, intensifying the suspense. Without music, these moments fall flat. With it, you can guide your audience through the emotional arc of your story effortlessly.

PLAYER RETENTION

In games, the right score isn’t just a background element. It can actively encourage players to stay immersed longer, return to the game, or even replay levels. A captivating soundtrack almost embeds itself within the player (it's called a hook for a reason), making the entire experience more enjoyable. It becomes part of why they want to keep playing, even beyond the gameplay mechanics.

Music isn’t everything. But without the right music, a project will never be everything it could have been.

LONG STORY SHORT

While it might not seem like audio directly drives ROI in the same way as, say, bleeding edge graphics or a huge marketing campaign, its impact on the audience is undeniable. When done right, sound elevates everything else, making your project more memorable, more immersive, and ultimately more successful. Do you want people talking about your game or film? Music will help them remember it.

Let's get real: will it get people INTO the theatre, or will it get players to BUY your game?

The answer is no.

Will it make your production memorable?

Unquestionably, indisputably and absolutely yes.

Maybe next time you budget, audio should be a bit higher on that priority list.