Exploring storytelling and musical integration in virtual reality audio: Insights from expert practitioners

As Virtual Reality (VR) technology continues to evolve, it presents both significant opportunities and challenges for audio designers, particularly in the context of music and storytelling approaches. This study explores the experiential and perceptual dimensions of VR audio through semi-structured interviews with leading VR audio expert practitioners. Building upon a previous investigation into the production challenges and techniques of VR audio, this research analyzes a distinct segment of the interview data from the same sample of participants, focusing on immersive storytelling and music integration in VR audio practice. The aim of the research is to uncover strategies and insights to help inform a practice language for this nascent field. Key findings highlight the transformative potential of VR audio in creating intimate and emotionally engaging narratives, emphasizing the importance of spatial design considerations, interactive sound approaches, and dynamic musical composition. Furthermore, the critical role of egocentric sound in enhancing immersion, the challenges of voiceover placement within spatial environments, and the potential of treating the sonic environment as an interactive character. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on VR audio practice, offering valuable perspectives for audio professionals and researchers aiming to push the boundaries of storytelling and immersive experiences in VR.