Lundheim: Exploring Affective Audio Techniques in an Action-Adventure Video Game

Abstract

This paper discusses Lundheim, a video game prototype made in Unity that incorporates interactive mechanisms based on affective computing techniques, which are used to control audio-visual aspects of the game. The project is based on a fictitious Old Norse realm named 'Lundheim', a place where emotions are woven into the fabric of reality. The game utilises Russell's circumplex model of affect, providing four runes which correspond with different sections of the circumplex model. The player must activate each rune by entering the corresponding emotion state, which is captured using a consumer-grade Interaxon Muse electroencephalograph (EEG) headband. Activating each emotion triggers particle effects and corresponding sonic materials including interactive music, which are implemented with the Wwise video game audio middleware software. The project thereby demonstrates a novel implementation of affective technologies and sound in a video game, contributing towards discourses in this area of research.