LMU Post 1 - Hammer of Dawn

The 'Hammer of Dawn' is a weapon that stood out from the crowd when developers at Epic Games released 'Gears of War'. Not only was it innovative in visual design, but it came with a brutal sound that became iconic.

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Players of the 'Gears of War' games soon understand that the 'Hammer of Dawn' is an 'Imulsion Powered Laser Designator', which beams down energy from a satellite cannon in high orbit. This short 'fan made' clip includes a fine selection of sounds that the 'Hammer of Dawn' creates.

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Following the release of the first 'Gears of War' game (2006), Alice Liang explained:

“Almost all the sounds in Gears of War are organic and not synthesized. There was a pretty strict “No lasers” policy – one exception being the Hammer of Dawn weapon sound, which contains six layers of synthesized sounds (one of which is the processed sound from the motor of a pencil sharpener)."

Impressively, the creators designed this weapon to have audio feedback actions when the weapon is fired by a player. It has 'confirmation', 'punishment' and 'reward' sounds integrated into the weapon, which all add to the experience of using the 'Hammer of Dawn'. 

Firstly the use of 'confirmation' through sound is heard when the three beeps are completed. It is not the most convincing of sounds but the three beeps enable the gamer to listen out for the sound while their eyes may be searching the screen for enemies.

I find the 'punishment' sound the most interesting, as the gamer does not need a visual aid to understand that the weapon is not being used correctly. When the weapon can not lock onto a target, a sound is created. I think they may have taken inspiration from game show sounds, as it is that 'wrong answer' buzzer that is so often used in conjunction with something being wrong. Not only does it have the characteristic sound of a 'wrong answer' buzzer, but the sound relates to the weapon. For example, a normal gun would include sounds of the gun jamming if the gamer misses a reload, as these relate to the realistic characteristics of the weapon. The 'Hammer of Dawn' on the other hand is an 'alien' weapon, and we accept that it will not posses life like sounds such as the weapon jamming, and a buzzer sound seems to be more appropriate.

(Skip to 1:29 in the video below for an example of the sound)

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Finally the weapons feedback to the player in relation to 'reward'. I see the reward being created by the sound of the blast. Not only does every person in the game here this sound, but the gamer controlling the weapon is now in control! With the blast in full motion, the gamer is able to move the blast to nearly any location on the map and killing multiple enemies in the process. The player controlling the weapon may feel an element of satisfaction now that the weapon is finally unloading hell on the opponents.