Playground Games says Forza Horizon 5 will use ray tracing not only to enhance graphics but also to shape in-game audio, adapting car sounds to the surrounding environment for greater realism. The studio’s lead audio designer, Fraser Strachan, described the approach and its effects in a recent special episode of the Let’s ¡Go! program on the game’s YouTube channel.
Ray tracing applied to sound
In the episode — discussed around the 26:20 mark — Strachan explained that the team is “sending rays” to detect walls, buildings and ceilings, and using that information to modify how cars are heard inside different environments. “Yes, [the technology] affects the game. We took ray tracing and are using it in every aspect,” he said.
Environmental impact on audio
The ray-traced audio system continuously detects objects in race environments and uses that feedback to produce sounds that reflect the scene. Urban areas with hard surfaces will produce clearer, more reflective audio, while locations with heavy foliage will yield muffled, softer sound characteristics.
Performance and related developments
Alongside audio innovations, franchise activity continues: Forza 8 currently has open registrations for a closed beta test. Playground Games also confirmed that Forza Horizon 5 will offer 60 fps modes on the new Xbox consoles to deliver the best possible visuals on Microsoft hardware.
Release date
Forza Horizon 5 is scheduled for release on November 9 for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: VG247
