Behind the Sound Design of Victoria 3

From the ambient bells, whistles and crowd noise to the rousing symphonic score, Victoria 3 has become popular for its immersive 19th century soundscape. Go behind the scenes of Paradox Interactive's newest historical grand strategy game, as the audio and music teams for the game walk you through their design and process.
With:
Tobey Evans, Audio Designer
Franco Freda, Head of Audio
Yannick Süss, Composer
Robin Birner, Composer
Håkan Glänte, Composer
The Sofia Session Orchestra
The Budapest Film Orchestra
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[@levigorman2543]

Victoria soundscape is so incredibly immersive. I cannot wait for further expansions!

[@siffonzebra4981]

Still getting goosebumps from that head titel theme. Soooo gooooood.

[@tobiasstergaard6662]

Well time to play some VIC 3

[@andreashecht272]

Hello music team, my name is Andreas Hecht and I‘ve worked as a recording engineer for over 10 years in various famous studios through out the world, making mostly rock and pop music, peaking with a Latin Grammy nomination in 2018. So I know the matter very well. So allow me me to tell you this: This is one of the best sounding games (sfx and ost) I have ever listened to. Thank you! It‘s pure pleasure to listen to it!

[@Ren3gaid]

The behind the scenes are so amazing, thanks!

[@xremming]

Best PDX soundtrack by a wide margin!

[@mehaitler4228]

Håkan Glänte is the best soundtrack composer in the pdx. Change my mind

[@kajetan9906]

I agree. Ever since I heard his version of Bella Ciao for hoi4 I think he is a great composer

[@jonnejaaskelainen]

Victoria 3 confirmed?!

[@VanadiumBromide]

Holy shieeet.

[@efeburakkayali3779]

Paradox will never release Victoria 3

[@averagephonkenjoyer7021]

yes i normally dont like this type of music, but when i played the game and listened this music i got hooked onto it

[@amocv]

Thats amazing! I didn´t realise how much work is behind this game

[@GooseSpringsteen]

The music and sound design is nothing short of spectacular in this game. Thank you for sharing this insight into how it was created Paradox :).

[@Vah09]

i like to start my workday with vicky3 LoFi VicHop

[@rico1346]

This is the first game where I really started to notice the genius of sound design in video games, the way we view this particular past along with the sounds of steam in some cases gives the sense of progression; 'we work to a better future' so to speak. The pause, unpause, and tech research sounds are some of my top favourites :)

[@Sivvester]

The music is so spectacular in this game. Honestly.

[@arthursandomine5464]

It's actually amazing to see these behind the scenes clips. Paradox you are doing Great work and your passion is really shining through. Regardless what anyone says out there: Keep It Going!

[@UtopiaMusic]

Inspiring video - thank you for the wonderful music and ambience!

[@kevvanco]

The sound design and music of this game is just amazing, it's a masterpiece in itself, even outside of the game. The music remaster of 2 is also really, really good. I can't stop listening to the music of Victoria 2 and 3 when I'm working, playing chess or even just when I'm relaxing. Thank you for showing us behind the scenes, a filmed live session would be the best gift you can give us

[@bobsaggat]

Would love to see "Behind the warfare design"

[@deeplearner2634]

vic3 music was epic infinite thumbs up for you guys

[@nnvist]

I'm a simple Pole, I see Hungarians made music to my favourite game, I like it!

[@kajetan9906]

3:35 Does this piece of music have lyrics? Are they singing something there or just making a noise?

[@Orchestorm]

I lowered all sfx so the soundtrack is louder than everything else. Well done, composers!

[@MrJabbothehut]

The sounstrack to this game is really good. On par with anno 1800!

[@bigsarge2085]

❤‍🔥

[@Zeed_Kaiser]

This is the trailer for Victoria 4 future expansion? Confirmed?!

[@devel-rh6hy]

how do you get the vic 2 music ? if you did not preorder the big version ?

[@Sputnik5790]

Who of the team had to lose a arm for the factory accident event sound?

[@dantedomini3563]

cool

[@utewbd]

Now if only a higher level of care went into the warfare design.

[@dovahkiin1111]

No guy smacking a lettuce?

[@steveh111]

Andreas Waldetoft?

[@reconuhd4193]

Port the vic2 soundtracks over as a flc for easy brownie points

[@Karawawa]

its true the vicky 3 music was good it took like 3 campaigns for me to get sick of it all instead of the usual 2 campaigns from other paradox games

[@tendajisustaining]

While well composed, the soundtrack excludes many other cultures and languages that existed around the globe at that time. I typically play my own music and mute my laptop to play the game because it's hard to play a game with a monolithic cacophony. A cultured expansion of music also shouldn't cost additional money because players of color shouldn't have to pay more to be represented. I typically play with countries from other continents, not centered in the game. I understand the game's historical accuracy, but it would also be nice not to have to carry out the systemic violence of colonization in every style of play in the game. I get that most players of Paradox games (Stellaris, EU 4, V3, CK, Cities) don't mind playing out history, no matter how atrocious. But, broader than the music, I think Paradox games should also allow space for reimaging what nation/faction expansion could look like and what fictional reinactactment of history could look like when your nation values humility, cooperation, equity, accountability, diversity, and inclusion. I love playing EU4 on the random generation mode and creating custom nations around the globe to even out the playing field and reimagine more diverse nations in-game to play with. Paradox is one of my favorite game developers because of its versatility and open endiness; if that could be woven into the centering of all stories, histories, traditions, etc., the games we love would be much more compelling.