"However now we can create a sound that can truly startle someone and in terms of sound effects I think the environment that we are in now has improved dramatically"

Nobuo Uematsu, renowned for his work composing music for video games, reflects on how advancements in sound technology have influenced his creative process and the broader gaming experience. He notes that with modern tools and capabilities, it is now possible to produce sound effects that possess the power to genuinely surprise or shock an audience. This level of auditory impact marks a significant leap from earlier technological limitations, where composers and sound designers were constrained by hardware and software, limiting both the range and fidelity of sounds they could use. The development of more sophisticated sound production methods and playback systems allows for a richer, more immersive environment, giving creators the means to evoke visceral emotional reactions.

The use of the word "startle" highlights the emotive potential of contemporary sound design. Not only can modern sound effects faithfully recreate environmental ambiance or musical scores, but they can also manipulate a listener's emotions in more pronounced ways. A sudden, well-designed sound can invoke fear, surprise, or alertness, drawing the player deeper into the narrative or action. Such moments of auditory impact reinforce the interactive and multisensory nature of video games, distinguishing them from more passive forms of media by making the player feel physically involved.

Uematsu’s mention of the “environment” improving dramatically refers both to the virtual spaces created within games and the technological environment in which composers now work. Enhanced spatial audio, higher sampling rates, and more memory or processing power are just a few technical improvements that allow for such refined soundscapes. These advancements have shifted the expectations and possibilities within game audio, giving composers like Uematsu unprecedented creative freedom. Ultimately, the evolution he describes not only raises the bar for realism and immersion but also expands the palette with which artists can convey emotion and narrative depth.