Functions of Sound in Distributed Collaborative Games Available to Purchase

Multiplayer games come in various forms, including distributed collaborative games (DCGs), allowing multiple players to access the game on separate devices and work together toward a shared goal. This configuration offers individual players their own respective video and audio feeds, setting it apart from shared-screen and split-screen games. This article examines several sound functions emerging from the particular design of DCGs. First, sound plays a critical function in both verbal and nonverbal communication, given that DCGs frequently distribute information to each player separately, forcing them to communicate with each other to share knowledge. Second, through auditory cues, shared soundtrack elements, and diegetic transgressions, sound plays a pivotal role in reinforcing team identity as well as fostering coordination. Lastly, by using sound as a focal point for gameplay in collaborative audio-based puzzles, DCGs provide new opportunities for players to engage with game sound. These various functions of sound in DCGs highlight how the genre elevates sound for players and lays a groundwork for similar inquiries into other kinds of multiplayer games. Furthermore, the conclusions and findings presented herein can prove useful for game designers and developers looking to enhance players’ experiences.