GDC Festival of Gaming is part of the Informa Festivals Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Crafting the Core Sonic Identity of 'Battlefield 6': From Concept to Execution

Mari Saastamoinen Minto  (Senior Audio Director, EA DICE)
David Jegutidse  (Audio Director, EA DICE)
Location: Room 2003, West Hall
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 3:10 pm - 4:10 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Audio, Production
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All

This talk outlines the process of defining the audio vision for Battlefield 6 by learning from the franchise's past, refining its identity, and evolving it for the game's sound. We'll showcase our progress and the challenges faced during production, highlighting lessons learned for future projects. Gameplay examples will demonstrate enhancements in core audio features, like believable acoustics and a gritty soundscape, balancing immersion with gameplay readability. Additionally, we'll introduce new tools and features supporting this vision.
The talk also highlights challenges in building a new audio team, focusing on nurturing team culture while creating a new title intended to be a return to form. Examples will show how simple yet impactful implementations were combined with complex new tech, deciding between using smoke and mirrors or simulation methods, and employing dynamic mix techniques for readability amidst the chaos of the battlefield.

Takeaway

The talk covers building Battlefield 6's audio identity across global teams, creating an immersive soundscape, refining audio direction and examples of how to execute on a raw, gritty and believable war soundscape in a modern, competitive shooter. It touches on sound design and recording techniques, team collaboration and overall mix.

Intended Audience

This talk is aimed at game audio developers, junior to senior with an interest in how to craft loud and complex soundscapes. A basic knowledge in video game audio is beneficial.