High Score game audio conference launches in Melbourne this October

High Score, a game audio conference, will launch in Melbourne on October 4 and 5, reshaping how people think about immersion and audio storytelling in game soundtracks.

Game audio takes many forms, from beats to hums. These soundtracks go beyond composition to create a sonic experience that deepens players’ connection to both narrative and immersion.

Amy McNickle, curator of the conference, told CBD News: “High Score is Australia’s premier game audio conference, and it is one of the only opportunities for game audio professionals in Australia to access world-leading professional development.”

This year’s program will explore how audio shapes player psychology and immersion, the rise of adaptive and interactive soundtracks, the tools and processes behind iconic scores, and the ways sound bridges gameplay with emotional storytelling.

According to Ms McNickle, music and sound provide additional emotional context for players beyond visuals or dialogue. Adaptive soundtracks, she said, allow composers and designers to intensify a scene, foreshadow events, heighten poignancy, or even subvert expectations.

She added that High Score would also strengthen connections between game audio and the broader development sector, with sessions from engineers, creative directors and narrative designers. A new focus on “business development skills” will give professionals resources to advance their careers.

High Score welcomes anyone interested in music and sound for games. Beginner talks will cover everything from breaking into the industry to the tools used to write game music. For professionals, the program includes deep dives into niche technical retrospectives, as well as discussions on building a sustainable game audio business within the Australian development sector.

Ms McNickle noted that professionals from other disciplines – including design, art, production and engineering – will also attend. Developers, she said, increasingly want to understand how audio fits into the game development pipeline and are seeking audio professionals to collaborate with. This mix of experience provides newcomers with invaluable networks, while giving industry professionals access to fresh perspectives and voices.

The organisers are working with industry experts to finalise the program, with the full guest lineup to be announced at the end of August.

As curator, Amy said this year’s theme, “Turn the Volume Up”, reflects her ambition to amplify Australia’s incredible game audio talent and empower professionals to advocate for their work.

She added that creative sectors across Australia had faced strain due to tech layoffs, budget cuts and uncertainty around AI.

“Events like High Score go a long way to building and maintaining a community of strong and talented voices that will shape the future of the industry,” she said.