Exploring the Storytelling Power of Soundscapes in Monument Valley 3

Sure! Here you go:

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Okay, so here’s the thing about Monument Valley 3 — it’s like nothing I’ve heard before. No lie. I mean, when we — me and the team at ustwo games — kicked off this project, it was all about breaking past what’s normally expected in game audio. Kinda ambitious, right? Anyways, right from the jump, we didn’t just want another soundtrack. Nah, it had to weave into every bit of the game’s DNA, following the player’s every move. This idea had folks talking, got us nods at the D.I.C.E Awards and other big shots.

So, about working with Lucie Treacher, my co-composer. She’s incredible. We aimed to mix traditional music with sound design that reacts to you, the player. Crazy? Maybe. Or maybe genius. Who knows. Grab those headphones when it lands on Xbox July 22. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Oh, and let’s chat experimental sounds. Sounds fancy, right? But really, it’s more like a new playground for the ears. I guess you could say I ghosted on the old soundtracks from previous games — didn’t listen to ‘em at all. Needed fresh vibes, I suppose. Each level became its own little sound world. And guess what? We didn’t tie everything together with a big theme. Nope. Every bit had its own vibe, like solo sound installations.

Then there’s the cultural jam session: the Bansuri, Gamelan, and Kora — each instrument handpicked like my morning coffee beans. Loved the textures they added, making Noor’s world, well, Noor’s. And yes, our trusty 17-piece string crew was along for the ride.

Lucie and I, we were super keen on making sure the sound wasn’t just chillin’ in the background. It had to be interactive, changing with each puzzle pieced together. The game’s all about transformation, after all. We leaned hard on tech wizardry, like granular synthesis—if that’s your thing. Every shift, tilt, or twist in the game? Yeah, the music dances along.

Water played a big part too, and not just the ‘oh no, I’m sinking!’ sort. It’s destruction and renewal, a bit metaphorical. We recorded splashes and drips and used them as musical threads. It’s all there, waiting for you to dive in.

The tactile sound world was another beast. Every touch felt musical — tuned clicks, rhythmic turns. It was like conducting your own chaotic symphony. We worked hand-in-hand with designers from the start. Narrative, puzzles, music — blended together like some smoothie of creativity.

A standout? A level that’s all paper and origami. Visually, it was a living print, and musically, it was all about that handmade feel. Crinkling paper, tape hisses, lo-fi vibes — truly DIY spirit.

What’s really got me beaming is how the music mirrors Noor’s emotional journey. Grief, growth, hope — it’s all there. Strings whisper when calm introspection hits, and then they burst out with momentum when things hit a climax.

So, yeah, snag a pair of headphones. Get lost in it. Monument Valley 3 isn’t just for your eyes, but for your ears. And your heart, I might add. More players will vibe with our story. I’m stoked, honestly.

Coming your way July 22, fully jazzed-up for Xbox with widescreen and all that jazz. Dive into the music which, by the way, is also streaming pretty much everywhere. Or go old-school with the vinyl from iam8bit.

What else could you ask for? Oh wait. Right. Monument Valley 3 not only bridges story and sound — it’s a full-blown adventure. You’re not just playing, you’re in it, breathing it, each twist getting you closer to the Sacred Light.

Hop on board, it’s kinda magical. Do you think so too?