In class and on the blog, we talked about the use of sound bytes and the emotional effects they have on the player. A pleasant sound with ascending notes reinforces “good” or productive activity and is part of the “reward” a player gets from playing the game. Most of us have had experience using instant messaging programs, from the original, widely used AOL Instant Messanger (AIM) to the currently prominent Facebook Chat. In both of these programs, a default sound is assigned for when one receives a new instant message. Facebook, of course, recently changed the default alert sound from a “pop” to an arguably more pleasant “tone.” One benefit of Facebook chat, however, a factor that adds to the “coolness” factor of Facebook, is that there are no other alert sounds for the chat, such as when one of your friends signs on or offline. In AIM, however, default alert sounds include a squeaking door opening for someone signing online, and a slamming door for someone signing off. Most of us respond positively at the prospect of a new message, so we associate these alert sounds with excitement and the comfort of friendship. When these sounds are used in other contexts, however, it is unsettling and surprising to hear the alert without the consequential automatic response of a new message.
This song is a mix of sound effects from AIM, it is interesting to observe the initial Pavlovian responses to these sounds in a different context. This song made its debut in an online game called Flash Flash Revolution, a PC version of Dance Dance Revolution for the fingers.