This time around, we’re highlighting the artistic flair of the individuals who bring Blizzard Entertainment’s games to life – specifically focusing on Felipe, a talented sound designer working on Overwatch 2. In this feature, he discusses his process for creating the distinctive sounds that make each character an indelible part of the game.
From Player to Overwatch 2 Sound Design Pro
Felipe’s adventure initially unfolded within the realm of gaming, captivated by Diablo 2 and World of Warcraft. He pursued character animation in art school, yet found himself drawn to music through fellow audio students. This serendipitous encounter set him on a path as a DJ, but his aspirations for Blizzard remained steadfast.
Felipe’s tale began with his passion for gaming ignited by Diablo 2 and World of Warcraft. His educational journey led him to art school where he focused on character animation, yet an unexpected encounter with audio students sparked a newfound interest in music. This discovery propelled him into the world of DJing, while his long-held dream of working at Blizzard persisted.
Felipe’s career in sound design was kick-started by his proficiency in Portuguese, which he showcased during his job as a localization QA. While working there, he gained valuable insights from colleagues who transitioned into development. He further honed his skills through online courses in game audio and created a demo reel. This led him to secure a sound design position on Heroes of the Storm, and eventually, he found himself working on Overwatch 2’s sound design team.
Showing the Process Behind the Sounds
In a fascinating exploration of the creative process behind Overwatch 2’s sound design, Felipe gained recognition for his YouTube videos starting in 2023, where he unveiled the making of Illari’s sounds among other in-game effects. These unexpected sources included instruments like kick drums and broken vegetables instead of typical sound effect generators, which fans found intriguing and appreciated.
Sound Design’s Role in Development
In Overwatch 2, sound designers collaborate extensively with animators, visual effects artists, engineers, and designers right from the get-go. The primary responsibility of Felipe lies in the creation of heroes’ sounds, making sure that every ability, step, and action aligns with their respective personalities and backstories.
In the Foley room, Felipe captures authentic sounds and then creatively alters them to produce something entirely novel. His hands-on method ensures that the sound design for Overwatch 2 offers a distinctive sonic identity for every hero.
Crafting a Hero’s Audio Identity
Developing sounds for a new character commences with considering their character, background, and playstyle. For instance, Freja’s agile nature led to the creation of light, airy sounds. In the case of Illari, Felipe utilized a Peruvian flute to represent her Peruvian origins and solar abilities, capturing swings, breaths, and other creative effects. Every sound was freshly recorded, without resorting to pre-existing libraries.
Experimentation Fuels Overwatch 2 Sound Design
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m always tinkering with different objects in search of unique sounds that will make my gaming experiences more immersive. I’ve been known to strike metals, twirl various items on ropes, and even repurpose oddities from the flea market to explore new textures. For me, designing the soundscape for Overwatch 2 is all about satisfying my curiosity and daring to try the unexpected.
Advice for Aspiring Sound Designers
Starting out doesn’t require costly gear. With a computer, fundamental software, and even a basic recorder like a smartphone, you can achieve impressive results. What truly matters is creativity, persistence, and a keen eye for detail. Additionally, Felipe emphasizes considering sounds from various standpoints-how they might be perceived by allies, enemies, or the player themselves.
Above all, steer clear of working solo; teaming up with others frequently sparks innovative thoughts and adds joy to the creative process when it comes to recording.
Audience members will get a chance to listen to Felipe’s newest Overwatch 2 sound design creations upon the release of Season 18, which is scheduled for August 26, 2025. For further information on Overwatch 2 and other competitive gaming titles, make sure to keep an eye on TopMob.
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2025-08-09 23:01