Wickie and the Soul Keeper

Interactive Audio Architecture & Implementation

I led the creation and architecture of the Wwise project from scratch, designing event hierarchies, state structures, RTPC logic, and a strategic bus routing system to support scalable Unity integration.

I implemented event-driven cues tied to player traversal, puzzle completion, and environmental changes. As well as, connected gameplay triggers using Unity colliders and state transitions to ensure responsive, context-aware audio behavior.

I structured modular systems that could dynamically adapt to progression rather than operating as a linear mix.

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Environmental Systems & Gameplay Feedback

I designed dynamic audio layering that evolved as players ascended the tower, reinforcing vertical progression and environmental transformation.

I balanced atmospheric immersion with gameplay clarity by:

• Separating frequency ranges across buses

• Controlling layered intensity through RTPCs

• Tuning feedback timing to align with puzzle rhythm and mechanical motion

I created responsive audio cues for mechanical interactions while preserving readability during high-density moments.

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Spatial Audio & Immersion

I integrated dynamic panning within ambient systems to create a responsive 3D soundscape. Included environmental elements that subtly shifted around the player’s position, reinforcing scale and vertical traversal without relying solely on visual cues.

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Score Composition & Tonal Identity

I composed thematic motifs reflecting Wickie’s role as guardian of the tower, and developed dynamic musical layering to support tension and pacing across traversal sequences.

I designed the final mix and mastering for both soundtrack and in-game SFX, ensuring tonal cohesion and clarity across gameplay, environmental, and narrative states.

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Iteration & Collaboration

I conducted continuous in-engine playthrough testing during implementation to refine timing, spatial clarity, and mix balance in context of gameplay pacing.

I also worked closely with designers and programmers to align audio pacing with traversal rhythm and ensure clean event triggering and optimization within Unity.

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Design Challenge

Balancing rich environmental immersion with mechanical clarity was a central challenge. As well as iteration that was focused on preventing ambient masking of gameplay-critical cues while preserving the tower’s scale and spiritual tone.

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Design Reflection

This project strengthened my understanding of interactive middleware architecture and how reactive systems differ fundamentally from traditional linear mixing workflows.

It reinforced how layered systems — mechanics, triggers, spatialization, and mix design — must operate cohesively to support player perception and agency.