Sound effects can often make or break a game which often goes unnoticed by various players, yet it plays a crucial role in making a game world feel immersive and realistic, even if it’s subconscious. Sound effects contribute to a games atmosphere, bringing it to life. Paralives, an upcoming life simulation game, is no exception.
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In a recent TikTok posted by @paralivesgame, fans got a behind the scenes look at how the game’s sound effects are being crafted. Unlike big budget games with large audio teams, Paralives takes a more personal approach. Andrei Castanon is single handedly creating sound effects using a mix of everyday objects he aquired from the dollar store and creative recording techniques.
This look into the sound design process has us appreciate the dedication and thoughtfulness required to produce satisfying audio effects. The techniques used are not just fascinating but also demonstrate how sound engineers can transform ordinary items into essential audio components.
Bringing Paralives to Life with Sound Effects
Every action in a game requires an appropriate sound to make the world feel believable. Instead of relying on generic sound libraries, Paralives aims for originality by recording custom effects that match the game’s unique, cartoony style. The TikTok video shows us some of the innovative ways sound is being captured for the game.
1. Leather Jacket as Terrain Manipulation Sound Effects
One of the most interesting techniques involves using a leather jacket and drumsticks to create the sound effect for terrain manipulation. By lightly tapping the leather with the drumsticks, Andrei Castanon produces a sound that corresponds to the movement of the ground being manupulated in game. This super cool method ensures that the terrain sounds in Paralives have a satisfying, natural quality rather than sounding artificial.
2. Fishbowl Rocks and Metal Takeout Tins for Path Creation Sound Effects
Another unique approach involves using fishbowl rocks and dirt inside a metal takeout tin to replicate the sound of paths being created in the game. In combination with the aquarium rocks and dirt, a hammer is also used against a microphone with a cover, which is then fine tuned, layered and mixed to compliment in game pathmaking. Andrei meticulously tests these sounds, adjusting them as needed to ensure they blend seamlessly with the in game visuals.
3. Recording Realistic Footsteps
In life simulation games, footsteps play a significant role in creating an immersive experience. A large spectrum of shoes need to be represented to fit with all of the in game shoe options. To achieve this, Andrei wears different types of shoes such as high heels, socks, sneakers, and even goes barefoot while walking on various surfaces. While recording each of the various differences between materials, ensuring that the sounds match the environment :
- Sneakers to create a soft rubbery squeak on smooth floors as a para comes home from work.
- Barefoot steps have a more muted, natural pad like sound for a para walking around a pool.
- Heels produce sharp, distinct clicks on hard surfaces for a para on a night in the town.
- Socks create a muffled, almost silent footstep for a para going for a midnight snack.
Capturing Authentic Door Sound Effects
Another small yet crucial detail in Paralives’ sound design is the sound of doors opening and closing. Instead of using pre made sound effects which can be found in any sound library, Andrei records real doors to ensure authenticity. The creak of various doors in Andrei’s house the game world feel real.
Why Sound Effects Matter in Paralives
Many players focus on visuals or live / build mode mechanics which we have covered here, but audio plays an equally vital role in shaping the gaming experience. Without proper sound design, a game can feel lifeless and disconnected. Paralives took a handcrafted approach, ensuring that every sound effect is tailored to match the game’s cartoonish aesthetic and mechanics.
What makes this process even more impressive is that it’s being handled and mixed by Andrei in his house! While larger game studios have entire teams dedicated to audio design, Paralives relies on a small and passionate team, proving that creativity and attention to detail will make all the difference.
This look behind the scenes highlights the dedication and creativity involved in Paralives’ development. With a small number of people creating subtle yet important effects, it’s impressive to see how much care goes into making every detail sound just right.
Unlike its competitors, The Sims 4 and the upcoming inZOI, Paralives has a uniquely personal connection with its developers. As an indie game, it relies on it’s team that engages directly with fans via their Discord which can be found on their website, shaping the game based on community feedback. This community driven approach makes players even more excited for its early access release in 2025 which we covered in this article, knowing they are part of something built with genuine passion and creativity.
Follow Andrei Castanon
https://on.soundcloud.com/WR1JYAFcrEnPPPGD8
https://www.instagram.com/andreicastmusic/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Follow Paralives
https://twitter.com/ParalivesGame
https://www.instagram.com/paralivesgame/
https://www.facebook.com/Paralives/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Paralives
https://www.paralives.com
