Soundgarden

Soundgarden is an immersive first-person exploration game where sound takes center stage. Developed as a research-driven project, Soundgarden playfully showcases the vast potential of sound and music in interactive experiences, inviting players into a world where auditory elements shape the journey. In Soundgarden, players explore three distinct islands, each dedicated to unique sound-based interactions.

The first island embraces an ecological approach, inviting players to discover how sound emerges within natural systems. As players uncover the island’s secrets, they gain the ability to alter environmental factors such as weather and time of day, influencing the flora and wildlife, ultimately transforming the soundscape itself.

The second island introduces interactions led by sound and music. Here, players encounter obstacles and puzzles that rely on listening to the environment and synchronizing with its rhythms, fostering a deep awareness of sound and honing their listening skills. The second island is currently in development.

On the third island, players engage directly with sound and music, creating and affecting various sonic objects to shape the island’s musical landscape, where sound and play converge. The third island will be added in 2025.

Together, these islands invite players to experience the intricate ways in which sound, music, and nature are intertwined. Soundgarden is more than a game - it is a space for exploration, a study in interactive sound, and a demonstration of the possibilities enabled by a sound-centered approach in games and beyond.

More information about the project can be found here:

soundgarden | Self-directed research project Winter 2024 (videon.github.io)

Controls

Controls	Keyboard/Mouse	Gamepad
Move	WASD	Left stick
Look	Mouse	Right stick
Run	Left shift	Left trigger
Jump	Space	A (south)
Quit	Escape