Sony Unveils Game-Changing Spatial Audio Plug-in for Developers

Tokyo, Japan—Sony Corporation announced the launch of "Gaming Virtualizer by 360 Reality Audio," a plug-in software for game developers that produces spatial game sound for headphones.

The new software integrates with Wwise, a widely used audio middleware solution, enabling the efficient creation of spatial game sound across various platforms, including mobile and PC.

Leveraging technology from Sony's 360 Reality Audio music platform, the plug-in optimizes signal processing to create spatial sound fields with reduced hardware demands, making it particularly suitable for mobile gaming.

Game developers in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China are currently validating the software. 

Companies involved include COLOPL, Inc., Cygames, Inc., GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc., Niantic, Inc., and SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

COLOPL, Inc. has already implemented the software in its adventure game "PRINCIPLES PROLOGUE," reporting improved sound positioning and compatibility with mobile games.

Keigo Ozaki, Senior Sound Creator at GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc., stated, "We are confident that by incorporating spatial sound into games, we can achieve a richer, more realistic sound expression."

Sony's move comes as more gamers prefer headphones, creating demand for spatial sound experiences beyond multi-channel speakers.

The company expects the software to improve game development efficiency by eliminating the need for separate sound design adjustments for mobile and PC games.