IASIG UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST OPEN GAME AUDIO SPECIFICATION
Sony plans to implement support in upcoming PlayStation audio tools
February 29, 2008
The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG) has released a public preview draft of the Interactive XMF File Format Specification (iXMF), which will allow game developers to more easily create cross-platform titles and make it easier for audio professionals to develop interactive content.
"We're supporting iXMF in our new audio tools so sound designers can take advantage of the incredible audio processing power of the PS3," said Michael Kelly of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
The iXMF specification is the first open, non-proprietary file format available for interactive audio content. The specification represents over five years of work by dozens of respected composers and designers of interactive systems and content. The draft document with reviewers instructions can be downloaded at "http://www.iasig.org/pubs/ixmf_draft-v091a.pdf".
About iXMF
iXMF (the Interactive Extensible Music Format specification) combines audio and MIDI data with scripting that describes intelligent or adaptive playback behaviors. Previously, audio development for interactive entertainment platforms has been dependent on proprietary tools and middleware that require specialized knowledge that is not transferable among the different platforms. iXMF supports all of the functions of a typical interactive audio system and represents those functions in a standard manner that enables the exchange of data between other tools and platforms. With a standard file format, the tools used to produce audio for film, TV, and video could also be used for game audio production. Because audio professionals will be able to use familiar tools, iXMF could revolutionize game audio development.
About the Public Review
The IASIG invites all qualified and interested participants in the interactive audio industry to obtain the draft Interactive XMF File Format Specification (PDF), review it carefully, and submit comments to the iXMF Working Group for consideration. The Working Group is interested in receiving technical input of all kinds, from opinions on overall architecture, to implementation concerns, to small details of behavior or data structures. Comments will be collected for 90 days, and then version 1.0 of the iXMF Specification will be released as an open and royalty free standard in the Fall of 2008.
About the IASIG
The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG, www.iasig.org) formed in 1996 as a project of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA, www.midi.org). Its mission is to improve the performance of interactive applications by influencing hardware, software, and tool design through consensus-building and technology specifications. IASIG members are a diverse group of companies and individuals representing composers, sound designers, audio programmers, educators, and audio hardware/software makers in the interactive entertainment markets (Internet, mobile, computer and console games). A&G, Creative Labs, Faith West, The Fat Man, France Telecom, Microsoft, and RippleEffect all have multiple participants and are sponsors of the organization, with the remaining 60 individual members representing composers, sound designers, educators, independent developers, and staff at other hardware/software companies. Anyone with a commercial interest in audio for interactive entertainment is encouraged to become a member of the IASIG.
About the MMA
The MIDI Manufacturers Association is the internationally-recognized non-profit organization that develops the MIDI standards for musical instruments, computers, video games, cell phones, karaoke, themed events and live shows. MMA members collaborate to develop consensus-driven specifications that enable new uses of MIDI technology in a standard way to encourage broad usage and interoperability. MIDI technology is in $2 Billion worth of musical instruments sold in the US each year, as well as every copy of the Windows and Mac OS and most cell phones. Members of the MMA include Apple, Creative Labs, Gibson Guitars, M-Audio, Microsoft, Nokia, Roland, Texas Instruments and Yamaha.
Media Contact
www.iasig.org/contact.shtml
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