Summary
- Meet Juno, the latest support hero in Overwatch 2
- Discover Juno’s abilities and how sound design brings them to life
- Learn about the creative process behind Juno’s sounds from the design team
Hello Overwatch 2 enthusiasts and sound aficionados! We recently welcomed Juno, the new hero and Martian colonist, to the Overwatch universe in Season 12. As the senior sound designer for Juno, I wanted to share my experience in crafting her unique sound identity and how I found my way into the world of sound design.
Discovering My Passion
Similar to Juno’s journey on Earth, my path to developing her sound profile began at Berklee, where I initially pursued studies in electric bass. Though music was my initial passion, I delved into various aspects of audio production, leading me to discover a deep interest in sound design. This exploration eventually propelled me towards a career in sound design. Despite facing challenges that caused me to leave Berklee, I remained determined to break into the industry and start making connections. Starting from scratch, I created sound design music and shared it with anyone willing to listen. This hustle paid off when I got the opportunity to create sample packs for prominent companies, which proved to be invaluable learning experiences and helped me establish a solid foundation in my work.
Joining the Overwatch 2 Team
After expanding my portfolio, I secured a position in a third-party audio company and steadily progressed to a senior role, honing my skills along the way. Eager for a new challenge in a AAA gaming environment, I took a leap of faith and applied for a role in the Overwatch 2 team. The application process was rigorous, especially as I battled my first encounter with COVID, but despite the obstacles, I was offered the position of Senior Heroes Designer. Within a year, I was entrusted with creating Juno, my debut hero.
Designing Juno
Juno utilizes her futuristic technology to tackle any challenge that comes her way, reflecting her lively and spunky personality. Her weapons are swift burst firearms, requiring punchy, concise, and satisfying sound design. Balancing her primary fire to encompass both a medical healing device and a laser gun was a major hurdle, but we fine-tuned it until achieving the ideal balance for Juno. Experimenting with unconventional techniques, I used de-noising plugins on tonal sounds like bass synths and glassy textures to capture otherworldly effects, allowing for creative freedom in the process. Embracing Juno’s retro vibe, I incorporated a vintage “pew pew” gun style by processing modern shots and blasts with quick filter and pitch sweeps to achieve that classic sound.
Developing the sounds for Juno’s mech and foley presented another intriguing challenge. I aimed for a minimal yet authentic sound, avoiding anything resembling plastic or toy-like. To achieve this, I explored Home Depot for items to experiment with, such as plumbing supplies, a plastic paint bucket, and a plastic plunger. Additionally, I visited a sporting goods store to discover unique sounds using a catcher’s mitt and a collapsing camping bucket. The goal was to infuse Juno’s sounds with a sense of authenticity and originality.
In essence, Juno’s sound identity embodies a playful and futuristic retro style. Listen closely for Juno’s distinctive sounds, understanding the story behind them can enhance your gaming experience!
An Experience to Cherish
The process of designing Juno has been immensely gratifying, both on a professional and personal level. Witnessing the positive reception from the Overwatch community has been the icing on the cake. My journey from Berklee dropout to sound designer for a beloved game like Overwatch 2 has been filled with valuable lessons and unexpected turns.
Explore my latest character designs in the World of Warcraft x Overwatch collaboration, where I added sound elements to the iconic Widowmaker/Sylvanas skin! Whether you aspire to be a sound designer or are simply curious about the creative process, I hope my story inspires you to pursue your passion, no matter the challenges. Until next time, happy gaming and sound crafting!
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Juno is now available in Overwatch 2 – play for free on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC!