The Vergecast The rise of the audio-only video game
May 12, 2024
Paul Bennun, a game developer known for pioneering audio-only games like Papa Sangre, discusses the unique world of sound-driven gaming. He highlights how innovations like binaural audio and the iPhone 4 transformed this genre. Bennun shares insights on designing engaging gameplay experiences that prioritize sound over visuals. He also delves into the storytelling potential of audio-only games, emphasizing their artistic value and accessibility. Listeners will discover the exciting evolution and future possibilities within this immersive gaming landscape.
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Bennun's Early Work
- Paul Bennun's early game creation involved copying code from magazines for a BBC Model B.
- He later directed a video game version of "You Don't Know Jack," focusing heavily on audio production.
iPhone 4's Impact
- The iPhone 4's hardware acceleration for floating-point math was crucial for real-time binaural synthesis in mobile games.
- This allowed for the creation of immersive audio experiences.
Papa Sangre's Gameplay
- Papa Sangre, an audio-only game, featured a journey through five palaces to escape.
- Players used sound to navigate and avoid enemies, as visuals were absent.