How does collaboration work when there’s multiple sound design teams?

When it comes to creating a fully immersive gaming experience, sound design plays a pivotal role in bringing a game alive. This was certainly the case with Helldivers 2, a highly anticipated sequel that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide. We’re excited to share how our team had the opportunity to contribute to the sound design of this epic game, working closely with Sony Interactive Entertainment and other industry experts to shape the game’s audio. 

More and more often, we’re seeing incredible game studios use multiple different teams to help bring their games to life.

A Team Effort

PitStop’s involvement in Helldivers 2 began with a unique collaboration between several esteemed studios in the gaming and sound design industry. We joined forces with SIE, Formosa Interactive, and Arrowhead Game Studios, the developers behind Helldivers 2. This collaboration brought together a diverse audio team composed of producers, sound designers, and technical sound designers, each contributing their expertise to different facets of the game’s soundscape.

Working as part of this multidisciplinary team was a rewarding experience. Each group brought its own strengths and perspectives to the table, creating a dynamic environment where creativity and technical proficiency merged seamlessly. The synergy between our staff, Formosa, and SIE allowed us to push the boundaries of what we could achieve in terms of sound design, ensuring that every element of the game’s audio was finely tuned to enhance the player’s experience.

Navigating Collaboration Across Multiple Studios

When multiple studios come together to work on a project like this, effective communication becomes essential. Coordinating between different teams, each with its own processes and workflows, requires clear communication and a shared vision. Regular meetings, shared resources, and a commitment to transparency were key to our success. We relied on a robust communication framework to ensure that all teams were aligned on creative goals, technical specifications, and timelines. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and open dialogue, we were able to blend the unique contributions of each studio into a cohesive and powerful audio experience for the game.

Throughout the development we also worked directly with Arrowhead Game Studios. Our communication with Arrowhead’s staff, including the game’s Audio Director and the SIE Outsourcing Manager, was instrumental in aligning our sound design efforts with the overall vision for Helldivers 2.

This close collaboration allowed us to understand the creative direction of the game and the specific audio needs that would bring the gameplay to life. Whether it was discussing the intricate details of weapon sounds or ensuring that the ambiences matched the game’s atmosphere, our interaction with Arrowhead and SIE leadership was crucial to delivering an audio experience that matched the high standards expected by the developers and the gaming community.

Final Thoughts

Working on Helldivers 2 was an incredible experience that showcased the power of collaboration in game development. By working closely with SIE, Formosa, Arrowhead, and other experts in the field, PitStop were able to contribute to sound design that elevates the gameplay and deepens player engagement. As Helldivers 2 continues to captivate audiences, we are proud to have played a part in crafting the audio that brings this exciting game to life.