Audio Director at Supergiant Games
Darren Korb
Best known for his work with Supergiant Games on titles like Bastion, Transistor, Pyre, and Hades; his approach to sound design and composition focuses on building music that serves the story and the emotions of a moment, often ahead of or alongside other creative elements. His career offers a compelling model for how sound can define a game’s identity as much as its visuals or mechanics.
A recurring thread in Darren’s practice is letting concepts and ideas drive the music, sometimes starting with composition before full visuals exist. This philosophy helps him shape the mood and tone early, ensuring the audio reinforces the narrative as it develops. On projects like Hades 2, he tackled ambitious orchestral work by writing multiple pieces in a single workflow to maintain coherence across the soundtrack. Tracks such as “Bewitching Eyes” and “Rock in a Hard Place” reflect his willingness to push beyond comfort zones, blending diverse influences from 80s power ballads to heavier metal, all with the goal of delivering a strong emotional impact.
Darren’s daily routine emphasizes a balance between music and voice work, with a typical pattern of milestone-driven bursts. He notes that music often carries high value for final polish, so substantial time is devoted to getting songs right, sometimes taking days or months for a single track. His inspirations span decades and genres, from Led Zeppelin and DJ Shadow to Björk and Radiohead, shaping a wide palette that informs his game scores.
Collaboration sits at the heart of Darren’s process. He stresses the importance of working with people he respects and enjoys collaborating with, often building a network of trusted colleagues who can push a project to greater heights. He also emphasizes the importance of experimenting and stepping outside familiar methods, such as writing on unusual instruments to spark fresh ideas. In terms of tools, Logic remains a favorite for its workflow and plugin ecosystem, including handy features like auto-naming that suit solo work.
Beyond craft, Darren acknowledges the realities of burnout and the shifting nature of work culture after the pandemic. He advocates for a sustainable approach to work, hybrid arrangements, regular breaks, and a focus on long-term collaboration rather than perpetual hustle. The friendships and ongoing collaboration with longtime teammates at Supergiant Games underscore the importance of relationships in sustaining creativity over a career.
Overall, Darren Korb’s work demonstrates how music can be a protagonist in its own right within a game, shaping player experience as much as gameplay. His emphasis on leading with personal strengths, fostering collaboration, and embracing experimentation offers a practical blueprint for anyone aiming to tell deeper, more emotionally resonant stories through sound.
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