When it comes to indie game development, I've been thinking a lot lately on the subject of team size in the audio world. At least from my experience on these forums, it seems like a lot of our stand-out posters function as one-man teams. They're capable and good at designing FX, composing pieces, mixing, and implementing every aspect of the sound. While I understand the decision to do that from the financial standpoint of a freelancer, I am very curious as to what the public opinion is on the subject.

As someone relatively new to this, I understand that not only my greatest love, but my strongest ability is in my FX design work. I'm not much of a composer, and really don't find any joy out of doing it, so I don't. And while I'm working on learning FMod and WWise, I wouldn't consider myself even capable of doing any large scale implementing or audio programming. This has, understandably, made finding work much harder when I compete with others who can do it all. And I'm not complaining, mind you. But I am curious if others feel the same way, where they'd prefer to really only do one aspect of the many that they often find themselves doing. Are there any composers out there who'd rather focus on that instead of being stuck creating FX? Are there any of you who love programming but find the composing side more difficult? I've connected myself with a few composers who I'm working with on a current project, and am just curious what you all think. Would you prefer to work as part of a team more often, or enjoy working solo?

1. not only my greatest love, but my strongest ability is in my FX design work. I'm not much of a composer, and really don't find any joy out of doing it, so I don't.
2. I am curious if others feel the same way, where they'd prefer to really only do one aspect of the many that they often find themselves doing.
3. Are there any composers out there who'd rather focus on that instead of being stuck creating FX?

1. Then you should focus your energies on your sound effects. You aren't a composer. You aren't an audio programmer. You mentioned just about every aspect of sound except voice. Have you worked with voice actors, recorded voices? Because that's a big part of game audio too.
2. This isn't a matter of feeling, or of preference. You don't shine in those aspects you don't prefer, so you are an effects man. Yes, there are specialists in the game audio field.
3. Yes, there are. As a producer, I've worked with people who do music only (and not effects, not programming, not voice).

I've done a fair amount of voice work, never directly for games but quite often for animation. Good to know I can focus though, sometimes it seems like it's harder to find work when you have a more focused skill set.

Yes, it'll be harder. But you can only do what you're able to do. You need to establish relationships with music specialists and audio programmers, so when they get handed something beyond their scope they can refer to you.

Yeah absolutely. I've made a few contacts from my film work, but hopefully once the title I'm currently working on releases I'll be able to expand that a little more into the game side.

I know some solo-workers, and their work is sometimes too banal. I think that focusing on the one aspect of the many is the best way to become a real professional. But the industry will always need solo-workers due to tight budgets, difficulties with coordinating big team, etc.

I just wanted to give my 2 cents since I was talking about this with some friends when we met during E3.

A lot of us who do full audio production (Music, SFX, Sound Design, Editing, etc) are more than likely music guys. Most of the time when I meet "one man teams," we're music focused because we primarily enjoy writing music first and foremost. I found out early on that a lot of indie developers and indie film makers not only wanted one guy to do the music, but all the sound effects. I went to school for this, I know how to do it, sure, I prefer music, but I was confident in my ability to accomplish both.

If you're not a musician, or a "composer" type - that's completely fine. I think from there you need to find a team of people. Even if it's just a team of 3, you can accomplish a lot. If you're a super skilled editor or sound designer, you can pair up with someone who wants to focus JUST on music and I think it's worth while. I've slowly been building a team, trying to find people that can help fill in my weak spots.

Honestly, the only reason why I work solo is because it's financially rewarding. For indie devs, the timelines and restrictions aren't nearly the same as a AAA title, and I can accomplish full production and still make a living. I'd love to hire my friends and open a bigger production studio, but there's always a trade off. I think in time you'll find where you need to be, just highlight what you're good at and work hard and people will recognize that.

I'm really happy you created this thread, because I am struggling with this dilemma at the moment.

In lue of one-man teams, I have been on the prowl for small teams in need of a sound designer. I am definitely a composer at heart, but I feel as if I am selling myself short by not being able to do all areas of audio design. And just like nearly every job applicable area, it is becoming where you benefit more by being able to do more. Yes, I can compose and am musically inclined, but I am seen as more useful if I can do SFX, and Master, and Edit, and anything else that deals with soundwaves. The area for me is still gray since I have not tried my hand at much else besides the audio implements included in composing music, so I could very well be a decent sound designer. But what if I am not? What if I have little to no interest in anything outside of composition? Then my value as a viable asset falls. And, not to rat out composers, there are so many of us who are beginner composers (like moi), who can only compose, and being able to do more opens so many more doors. I have had to turn my back on really good project offers because they are looking for an audio designer who can do everything.

Now, as far as working in teams is concerned, I love it. I, in fact, find it rewarding. Working alongside someone who is proficient at their craft only opens doors to more knowledge in my eyes. Though I do see the financial benefits in working alone versus on a team, I am more worried about having to turn down a highly prospective job because I am inept at multiple facets of Audio Design.

It definitely seems like people who begin as composers are much more likely to work as a one man team then those of us who came in through the FX side, probably because FX are easier to learn and understand than music. It's good to see people open to the idea of a team structure though!