Embody and Square Enix have teamed up to deliver a specially tuned spatial audio pack for Final Fantasy XIV, known simply as Immerse Gamepack Final Fantasy XIV Edition.
For the past two years, Embody, known for their AI-driven audio software, has worked with the Final Fantasy XIV sound team to deliver the best spatial audio experience to the beloved MMO.
Embody went on to describe the upcoming software as follows:
Sound Customized to Your Ears
At the core of Immerse is a set of highly optimized artificial intelligence-based algorithms that compute the listeners’ personalized profile or Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) in under 30 seconds. An HRTF represents a mathematical model of how you hear sounds in the real world. Embody built the Immerse engine based on two keystones: 1) delivering natural-sounding spatial sounds and 2) a robust and fast AI-based infrastructure. Immerse lets users hear all the details of spatialization, bringing more clarity and definition to the experience. Small details in the sound scene are more perceivable and the impact of explosions and peak moments are amplified. The result is the most authentic gaming experience ever.
Spatial Audio Designed for FINAL FANTASY XIV
In collaboration with the FINAL FANTASY XIV sound team, Embody customized Immerse to deliver a superb 360 gaming experience to FINAL FANTASY XIV players everywhere. Embody created an entirely new personalized HRTF that is not only customized to each gamer’s hearing anatomy but is also customized to the unique sound requirements of the game.
Press Release
In honor of the event, Masayoshi Soken, Final Fantasy XIV sound director, had this to say:
By collaborating with Embody, we were able to effectively customize the FINAL FANTASY XIV sound field, resulting in an immersive audio experience that allows you to feel a more realistic three-dimensional sound. I want everyone to experience this.
Press Release
Go Kinuya, Final Fantasy XIV sound designer, followed up by adding:
We were able to make special audio tuning specific to FINAL FANTASY XIV. We are really looking forward to sharing this surround sound experience with everyone!
Press Release
To get players excited, Embody also released a tech demo to give players a taste of what the improved sound experience will be like.
SHIVA vs PALADIN
Shiva was our first choice when searching for a setting in which to best showcase Immerse Spatial Audio. Prepare to experience icy death from everywhere – Around, Behind, and Above you.
Press Page
Those interested can pick up Immerse Gamepack Final Fantasy XIV Edition on Jan. 4, 2022 for $19.99, though anyone who purchases between Dec. 3 until Jan. 3, 2022 will receive a 20 percent discount. Finally, for anyone on the fence, there will be a 14-day free trial and an early experience starting on Dec. 3, just in time to enjoy the upcoming Endwalker expansion.