Sound Design in Project Nemo: Creating an Underwater Atmosphere

One of the most challenging aspects of bringing Project Nemo to life has been creating a convincing underwater soundscape. Today, I'd like to share some insights into our approach to sound design for this unique setting.

The Underwater Filter

The first challenge was representing how sound travels differently underwater. We developed a custom audio filter that:

• Muffles high frequencies
• Adds a subtle reverb effect
• Creates a sense of pressure through low-frequency oscillation

This filter is dynamically adjusted based on the player's depth, creating a more immersive experience as they descend further into the abyss.

Creature Sounds

Creating sounds for the various creatures that inhabit our underwater world required a blend of real-world references and creative sound design:

• We recorded and manipulated sounds from marine mammals like whales and dolphins
• For more alien creatures, we combined organic sounds with synthesized elements
• Each creature has a unique audio signature that helps players identify threats even before they're visible

Music Composition

The soundtrack for Project Nemo needed to balance several elements:

• Creating an atmosphere of mystery and dread
• Supporting the narrative and emotional beats of the story
• Remaining subtle enough not to overwhelm the environmental sounds

Our composer has created a score that uses unconventional instruments and ambient textures to create a soundscape that feels both ancient and alien.

Technical Implementation

Implementing this complex audio system in a pixel art game presented unique challenges:

• We developed a custom audio engine that supports 3D positional audio
• The game dynamically mixes dozens of ambient sounds based on the player's location
• We use procedural audio generation for some environmental elements like currents and pressure vents

We believe that sound design is just as important as visuals in creating an immersive experience, and we're excited for players to hear the world of Project Nemo when it releases later this year.