Forum Discussion

Re: About Visual Sounds Effects

@Masuder_T I agree with you, the current 2d and 3d  incomming damage visualisation and pings is inadequate for deaf players. I would love the entire sound effects array to be visualised in some way. 

However I'm not sure making it only available with master volume set to 0 is the way to go. Having both would be helpful to the hard of hearing too. 

I have hearing issues (partially deaf and severe tinnitus) and I can easily play Fortnite with their sound completely off (if needed) and visualisations on, or able to use both visualisations and sound when necessary too. 

9 Replies

  • Masuder_T's avatar
    Masuder_T
    3 years ago

    @OldTreeCreeper 

    Thanks for the answer.


    It is true that some people with hearing loss play with sound.


    But I feel that visual audio effects are too effective for a game like APEX.

    It seems to me that the only way to bridge the gap between the deaf and the hearing impaired is to turn off the sound effects.

    I wonder what would be the best way...

  • OldTreeCreeper's avatar
    OldTreeCreeper
    Hero+
    3 years ago

    @Masuder_T I think fortnite have this well covered as I can and do (at times) play that game effectively with the sound down.

    I have the visual effects on all the time too, with sound, so it's a combination that works well for me.

    In fairness, I do not think you can have an option available to use in game that is not available to everyone. The option is available to all in fortnite.

    The idea has been brought up a number of times before, and the poster had a very well worked out idea. 

    https://answers.ea.com/t5/General-Feedback/Add-an-option-for-deaf-players-to-quot-visualize-sounds-quot/m-p/10326969#M79678

    Unfortunatly, there are also problems with the in game sounds, such as inaudible footsteps from behind. Ive been blown away by a Gibby creeping up silently behind me more than once 😃

    How that would translate into a visualisation, I don't know. 

  • OldTreeCreeper's avatar
    OldTreeCreeper
    Hero+
    3 years ago

    @Masuder_T

    There is a workaround to improve footstep sounds on pc, outlined in the first post in the below thread: (also on xbox 1S with DTS settings and ps5 with headphones and there are other suggestions in the thread)

    https://answers.ea.com/t5/General-Discussion/Improve-in-game-sounds-how-to/m-p/11720065#M216004

    The program involved is called Sonic Sonar, it dosnt adjust or change game files, it just makes the best of the aural field available for the game, so it isn't a bannable offence to use it. Much like the color enhancement overlays within nvidia. 

    With that in mind, somthing like the below that (apparently)  does a visual sound overlay with the available sounds might be worth trying to find. I know nothing about this particular product or even if it works effectively. 

    https://rog.asus.com/technology/rog-sound-innovations/sonic-radar/

    The main problem with this type of visual overlay though, is the seperation of sounds that have a similar frequency, esp in a br gun fight. 

  • Masuder_T's avatar
    Masuder_T
    3 years ago

    @OldTreeCreeper 

    Thanks for the reply.

    I read the visualization suggestions above.

    Personally, I thought it would be easier to see and understand if you improved on the already existing red indicator that comes up when you are shot by a gun.

    My hearing is completely absent, so the method of making the sound louder didn't make sense to me.

    I wish there was an overlay that would show the sound....
    I wonder if they could develop one somewhere.

    I would like to deliver this comment to the developer, but I guess I can't.

  • 251f7fe71fbb9e0's avatar
    251f7fe71fbb9e0
    2 years ago

    Agreed, I am only deaf in one ear. Having the other sounds is a must.

    I don't care if normal hearing players use it. Everyone complains about how bad the sound is in this game. It would really level the playing field for everyone!

  • The fact that everyone would use this does not decrease it's value. Lets face it, the direction sounds in this game are terrible. It has been a major complaint since season 1 and has not been fixed.

    This was in the mobile game and it worked very well.

  • 251f7fe71fbb9e0's avatar
    251f7fe71fbb9e0
    2 years ago

    It's not just silently. I'd be fine with the visualizer not showing someone crouch walking up behind me. What ticks me off is someone jumping down from 20 feet and landing behind me without a sound! And it's not just my deafness, normal hearing player complain about this.

  • ComicBookGuy2727's avatar
    ComicBookGuy2727
    Seasoned Ace
    2 years ago

    I play a lot of fortnite zero build these days seeing as how the state of Apex is, well..... 

    Fortnites visual sound indicators are excellent. Why Respawn hasn't at least tried to implement this considering their sound for this game has been broken/lacking for almost 18 seasons now is madness. That alone tells you so much right there. 

    Fortnite's sound is fine without the visual aids. But having the option for the hearing impaired and just to help out more is great and appreciated. 

    Do better rEAspawn!