Audio confusion

Just to point out another thing going wrong with computer games. We build game audio with tools aiming this:

When people actually play using these:

or

or

It’s clear in 2013 that what audio enthusiasts were hoping to see as a multi-channel systems home invasion never happened and never will. Too annoying to set up. Too big. Too expensive. I think I’ve never seen a proper 5.1 system anywhere outside theaters and my crib in Paris.

It seems like game audio didn’t get the memo, new versions of new tools aim at surround systems and high end that almost doesn’t exist.

Good thing is, we don’t need crazy surround systems to make better game audio. The priority over highly technical stuff has hit a threshold, what we need now is way more diversity musically and sonically as well as more interactivity and responsiveness to what players do. Headphones, tablet speakers and soundbars are fine for that.