Exploring Storytelling Through Soundscapes in Monument Valley 3

Absolutely! Here’s your article, transformed into a whirlwind of thoughts and musings that hopefully looks like a human just poured their soul into it:

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Okay, so here’s the deal with Monument Valley 3. It’s coming out on July 22, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. I dunno, I got a little too excited about the sound part of it. Blame Todd Baker, the Audio Director, who kinda turned the game into a living soundscape. It’s like the music tells a story—maybe Noor’s? I’m not even sure. Oh, and there’s a vinyl too on iam8bit, which is cool—I think? Pre-order it if that’s your vibe.

When we kicked off on Monument Valley 3 (yeah, working at ustwo games), we wanted the audio to be, like, a big deal. Not just background noise. I mean, we wanted it to mess with you emotionally, like every move you make in the game should have an emotional playlist. Sounds heavy? It is. But hey, it got us nods at the D.I.C.E. Awards and Mobile Game Awards. So, win-win.

Lucie Treacher and I spent forever tinkering with sounds. Like, we aimed for an immersive experience—best with headphones, for sure. Xbox launch on July 22 is gonna be wild. I mean, each level in MV3 became its own sound planet. Scratch that—sound universe. We didn’t stick to one theme. Each chapter is its own jam session. Break the mold, right?

We got playful with sounds here. I totally avoided revisiting old soundtracks. I know, radical. But fresh ideas demand no strings attached, literally. Freedom to experiment, like kids in a sandbox but with a blissful sound experience.

Oh, and global instruments! We threw in a Bansuri and Gamelan—the earthy beats of the Kora from West Africa. Not a novelty act, just something heartfelt to Noor’s world. And yeah, a 17-piece string section keeps the magic grounded.

Speaking of magic: transformation game of sounds. As players, you like turn stuff, and the music changes in real-time—crazy right? Feels like composing your own game symphony! Especially with water sounds. Rivers, taps, underwater vibes—all swirling together. Water brings life and chaos, kind of like my desk right now.

What really gets me? The tactile sound. Like, every interaction drips music. Turning gears isn’t just click-click, it’s clickety-clack with melody! Lucie and I thought the audio was alive, breathing. Each playthrough spins a new tune.

Oh and did I mention collaboration with level designers? They’re the “sound never an afterthought” squad. Paper origami level? Crinkling paper sounds, lo-fi tape hisses, and all the feels. Handcrafted, not digital—imagine that!

Above all, it’s about emotions. Noor’s adventure through grief, growth, and hope plays out in sound. Sparse flutes, swelling strings, her journey is real, raw. It keeps you hanging on every chord, every note.

Get headphones, trust me. It’s like a sound-di-pocalypse (sound apocalypse, if that makes sense). Xbox gamers, it’s your time to shine. Can’t wait for you to experience our sonic trip through sound-space-time.

Still with me? Cool. Monument Valley 3 isn’t just a game; it’s a conversation in sound. And it all kicks off on July 22 with a bang (or a gentle musical flourish, depending on the level).

So set sail in Monument Valley 3, and feel the game not just through your controller, but through every note and wash of sound across the sea of imagination. Catch ya there!