Prototype is the first game to feature Neural-THX 7.1 Surround Sound

7 January 2008

Posted by:Ferry

A demonstration of the Neural-THX Surround 7.1 game experience in the THX booth during CES 2008 has unveiled that Prototype will be the first video game to expand the game audio experience to 7.1 surround sound. This allows gamers to add two speakers to the rear of their home theaters or living rooms, creating a 360-degree listening environment. When playing Prototype in Neural-THX Surround, sound elements will be placed in the front, side and behind the gamer, enabling them to react to audio cues all around them. The result is a more interactive and immersive game-play experience.

“Game developers and consumers alike are recognizing the importance of accurate surround sound to the overall game experience, and the move to 7.1 surround represents a natural evolution of game audio,” said Dr. Mark Tuffy, games director at THX Ltd. “We are thrilled to partner with Sierra and Radical Entertainment to introduce Neural-THX Surround for games. The Prototype storyline and use of surround sound elements makes it the perfect fit for 7.1 game-play.”

A recent survey of U.S. gamers by Nielsen NRG revealed that more than 48% of Xbox 360 and 54% of PS3 consoles are connected to multi-channel, home theater systems. In fact, more gaming consoles are now connected to multi-channel audio systems than television speakers, indicating that surround sound has grown in importance among the gaming community.

Prototype tells the story of Alex Mercer – a man haunted by his past, fighting a secret war in New York City. As the action spirals out of control, a conspiracy tied to his origins threatens the future of mankind itself. Mercer’s amazing shapeshifting powers allow him to become an exact replica and steal the skills or powers of anyone who crosses his path. Prototype debuts on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in summer 2008.