What you Need to Know
This
is single-channel audio. Typically there is only one microphone, one loudspeaker, or in the case of headphones, channels are fed from the same common signal path across two speakers. In the case of multiple microphones the paths are mixed into a single signal path. Mono sound is good for dialogue.
Stereo
sound is created by two independent audio channels or speakers and provides a sense of directionality because sounds can be heard from different directions. Stereo sound can vary sound direction around 2 points, like the way we hear things naturally with our ears. Stereo sound could enhance the players experience by creating a rough idea of where an enemy is coming from with sound effects.
Multichannel
sound, also known as surround sound, is created by at least four and up to seven independent audio channels or speakers placed in front of and behind the listener that surrounds the listener in sound. Stereophonic sound in a game could be used for cut scenes. This could make cut scenes more immersive like DVD’s as its pure, clean audio being played.
3D Sound refers to audio technology that uses techniques to trick our ears into positing sounds in three dimensions. Sounds come at us from all directions and distances, and individual sounds can be distinguished by pitch, tone, loudness, and by their location in space. The spatial location of a sound is what gives the sound its 3-D aspect and is more realistic than stereophonic. 3D sound can be related to characters location. For example if you run somebody over, the noise of them shouting at you afterwards as you drive away would be 3D as it becomes quieter.
ď‚ž This
type of audio is known to be an instructive audio. If normal game music was playing, as you got closer to the correct destination the music would change positively the closer you got, and vice versa if you went the wrong way it would be represented negatively. ď‚ž Interactive sound would be used as a directional aid, as the music or sound effects would change navigating around. Dialogue could also be used as a prompt.
Write
a definition of each audio environment Does it change the experience if you use speakers, headphones, or use a console on the TV? Does the overall quality of the equipment you use change the sound? You can have a look at the settings of your game that you have chosen in the menus to see what audio environment options they offer