Path of Exile II Story
- Foley
- Game Audio
Path of Exile II Story
date26 DEC, 2024
- Foley
- Game Audio
GRINDING GEAR GAMES ACHIEVES RECORD-SPEED PRODUCTION OF OVER 2200 ARTISTIC SFX USING POSTRED
It was an honor for our team to be part of such a beloved franchise and contribute to a game that fans have eagerly awaited. We had a blast collaborating with the talented audio team and fantastic Audio Director, Kane Bennett.
THE CHALLENGE
POE II was launching on an accelerated schedule, and the GGG audio team had a clear and delicate artistic vision, which required seamless alignment with their goals (“Raw earthy horror textures, low and gritty”, etc.).
THE APPROACH
Following Kane Bennett’s direction and GGG's signature ideas (Aztec death whistles, etc.) we crafted custom instruments and props for the game's cultural soundscape. These tools powered our team of 13 sound designers to stand up to the grand task with due care and love.
THE RESULT
- Over 2200 assets shipped on a tight schedule, combining GGG’s creative vision with POSTRED’s technical execution.
- Player and streamer feedback highlighted the impact of the endgame boss sounds designed by us.
- See the contribution showcase below.
OPENING CINEMATIC & CUTSCENES
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/858364422?h=89bb177f1c&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="1031" height="580" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" title="Path of Exile II - Opening Cinematic"></iframe>
SOUND EFFECTS
Collaborating with GGG on game bosses was a gratifying experience.
Our sound design team put much of their artistic flair into sounds, and we are happy that the players loved them.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1032226321?h=2626003542&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="1031" height="580" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" title="Path of Exile II - Opening Cinematic"></iframe>
MAKING VAAL SOUNDS
In Path of Exile, Vaal represents an ancient, enigmatic civilization steeped in dark rituals, sacrifice, and blood magic.
GGG's audio team's vision & recipe
Dark fantasy and horror with raw, earthy textures. Tonal instruments like Aztec death whistles. Timbres that feel ancient yet otherworldly, yet not sci-fi.
We crafted custom instruments and props to execute GGG's vision for Vaal.
It was an honor for our team to be part of such a beloved franchise and contribute to a game that fans have eagerly awaited. We had a blast collaborating with the talented audio team and fantastic Audio Director, Kane Bennett.
THE CHALLENGE
POE II was launching on an accelerated schedule, and the GGG audio team had a clear and delicate artistic vision, which required seamless alignment with their goals (“Raw earthy horror textures, low and gritty”, etc.).
THE APPROACH
Following Kane Bennett’s direction and GGG's signature ideas (Aztec death whistles, etc.) we crafted custom instruments and props for the game's cultural soundscape. These tools powered our team of 13 sound designers to stand up to the grand task with due care and love.
THE RESULT
- Over 2200 assets shipped on a tight schedule, combining GGG’s creative vision with POSTRED’s technical execution.
- Player and streamer feedback highlighted the impact of the endgame boss sounds designed by us.
- See the contribution showcase below.
OPENING CINEMATIC & CUTSCENES
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/858364422?h=89bb177f1c&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="1031" height="580" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" title="Path of Exile II - Opening Cinematic"></iframe>
SOUND EFFECTS
Collaborating with GGG on game bosses was a gratifying experience.
Our sound design team put much of their artistic flair into sounds, and we are happy that the players loved them.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1032226321?h=2626003542&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="1031" height="580" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" title="Path of Exile II - Opening Cinematic"></iframe>
MAKING VAAL SOUNDS
In Path of Exile, Vaal represents an ancient, enigmatic civilization steeped in dark rituals, sacrifice, and blood magic.
GGG's audio team's vision & recipe
Dark fantasy and horror with raw, earthy textures. Tonal instruments like Aztec death whistles. Timbres that feel ancient yet otherworldly, yet not sci-fi.
We crafted custom instruments and props to execute GGG's vision for Vaal.
We used unique resonators, like a water cooler bottle and djembe, to create interesting textures that matched the Vaal aesthetic.
Sending sound through actual lighting in a tube.
We used thunder recordings for the bosses' shock skills and processed other sounds through the octave fuzz module Plasma Drive.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1042252874?h=bc4384a85b&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="400" height="580" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" title="Path of Exile II - Opening Cinematic"></iframe>
A Swiss cowbell discovered in an antique shop inspired ceremonial vibes perfect for the Vaal aesthetic, with its low gritty, character-rich sound.
DIALOGUE EDIT
Our dialogue design team supported GGG by handling tasks like cleaning dialogue, selecting takes, and setting appropriate gain levels, freeing their team to focus on creative direction.
