Short Term (S) – 3 second window (un-gated).Loudness Level (at three different time scales).In order to adopt, apply, and reinterpret these standards for game audio, we need to understand a few basics about the BS.1770 specification and how it’s utilized in R128 and A/85 broadcast recommendations.īS.1770 includes the following measurements: Understanding the Acronyms: BS.1770, R128, and A/85 Measuring perceived loudness is a tricky thing and BS.1770 is an algorithm and measurement protocol that seeks to more accurately measure how we hear loudness from a given sound source. Sony’s ASWG looked to the broadcast world, specifically the ITU-R BS.1770 specification which is used in the EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 broadcast loudness recommendations for Europe and the U.S. In November 2012, Sony’s Audio Standards Working Group (ASWG) made some headway by creating ASWG-R001, internal loudness recommendations for their 1st party titles. The Standards (Or Lack Thereof):Ĭurrently, there are no widely accepted standards for measuring or mastering loudness levels in video games.
The goal is a consistent experience when switching between movies, television, and games, especially with the next generation of consoles where users have easy access to all these types of media from one unit. Not only should game audio have a baseline for loudness, that baseline should correspond to established standards in television and film. As sound designers and game publishers, we want the end user to have a consistent experience when it comes to loudness levels. This certainly applies to video games and game audio. Loudness standards are important in an environment where a number of third party groups are contributing content to the same platform. We’ll look to the broadcast world for guidance, see some blossoming standardization from Sony, measure some games, and think about the future of loudness recommendations in game audio. No, instead I want to take a more objective look at the current state of loudness in video games, especially compared to broadcast standards. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on ranting about the upward trend to make things loud. “Oh no, not this loudness war stuff again,” you might be thinking to yourself. After a couple hours of play I started to realize how fatigued my ears were getting.
I had some time over the weekend for a marathon gaming session and decided to take full advantage.