34 ESPORTS Audio
commercial director, Richard Lancaster. “Although it’s important to note that the scale and requirements can vary significantly. In esports, it’s definitely the case that no two esports events are the same…” This is no exaggeration: from semi-pro tournaments to full-scale championships with global audience appeal, the technical requirements can vary dramatically. This is particularly apparent on the audio side, where in-venue and broadcast streaming playback can encompass an extensive array of sonic elements – from participant audio mics to commentary, in-game audio elements, recorded music and dramatic, game-punctuating sound effects. Ultimately, though, it all pivots on the nature of the game and the overall vision of the organisers, meaning that effective collaboration from the start of the process is critical. Dave Letson, vice-president of sales at Calrec, observes by way of example: “If the game being played is from the player’s point of view, then the associated audio from the game for each player is required.”
SURROUND SOUND ESL One Cologne was hosted in the Lanxess Arena, which has a capacity of 18,500
The precise division of labour between broadcast service providers and the in- venue audio teams based at FOH (front of house) can also be decisive. “There is a line in the sand in terms of where the FOH stops and our work starts, and that line can move from event to event,” notes Lancaster. STANDARD PRACTICE? Esports is in its relative infancy. Notions about what constitutes a ‘standard’ esports production are still evolving, and the outcome of each event is liable to inform the next one. In Letson’s words, “every broadcast differs as lessons are being learnt and applied in subsequent tournaments”. NEP UK head of sound, Paul Fournier, says: “Events are still finding their way and determining their formats. Certain elements will become more standardised in terms of format, I am sure, but different games will continue to have different situations that have to be accommodated.” Accordingly, common methodologies are still taking shape. Event organisers in this space can be more given to looking at achieving things
DIFFERENT GAMES WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS THAT HAVE TO BE ACCOMMODATED
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