Teaching with videogames: soundscapes and 'The Fish Market'
Videogame worlds are not just visual, but rely on sound to engage, excite and entertain audiences.
This lesson sequence will develop student critical and creative understanding of videogame soundscapes.
Year levels: adaptable for Year 5 to VCE
Learning areas: Media arts/Media
Suggested duration: 3 lessons
Equipment you'll need:
- Download The Fish Market for PC and Mac (pay what you feel)
Download the full lesson plan
The lesson plan includes links to the Victorian and Australian Curricula, indications of lesson timing, and ideas for differentiation and assessment.
In this lesson, students will
| 1. Analyse two different sound design approaches in two videogames: The Fish Market and Overwatch |
| 2. Brainstorm sounds that could create an imaginary game environment and record Foley sounds |
| 3. Use Garageband (or other audio editing software) to create a soundscape that matches an inspiration image |
| 4. (Extension) Use a video editing platform like iMovie to create a short film with a rich sound environment. |
Learning goals
| what a soundscape is |
| how sound constructs meaning and engages audiences |
| how soundscapes are constructed |
| analyse soundscapes in videogames and identify elements that create mood and meaning |
| notice and discuss audience responses to soundscapes |
| record sounds with the intention of creating meaning for an audience |
| design and create soundscapes |
| use audio editing software |
| collaboration skills |
| reflection skills |
| critical and creative thinking skills |
| ICT capabilities |