Arkane Studios Employee Spotlight: Fabien Goury
This month we were lucky to grab Senior Technical Sound Designer, Fabien Goury for a quick conversation on the work he does with audio and engineering teams to craft the auditory experience for the studio’s games.
What is your role at Arkane Lyon?
I am a Senior Technical Sound Designer, which means I help the audio and engineering teams create and maintain the tools and systems that shape the sound experience in our games. I also work directly on sound design, creating and integrating audio elements to keep my creative skills sharp and stay connected to the overall audio direction of our projects.
In addition, I serve as a Personnel Representative at Arkane’s Works Council and as a Union Representative for Printemps écologique. In these positions, I focus on promoting collaboration, continually improving working conditions, and helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive work environment.
When did you join the studio?
I joined Arkane Lyon in 2018 as a Junior Sound Designer for Wolfenstein Cyberpilot, a VR project in collaboration with the talented team at MachineGames. Over time, I took on more technical responsibilities, especially while working on “DEATHLOOP”, and was elected to my representative roles in 2022.
Before you joined Arkane Lyon, did you have any past experiences that you would like to share?
I have worked across different areas of the audio industry. After earning my master’s degree in physics in 2014 in Brest, France, I began working as a sound editor and mixer for films, TV, and series. I also worked as a live sound engineer for concerts, touring with bands like Naheulband and Magoyond.
I later transitioned into game audio as a Voice Designer at Quantic Dream, where I discovered the unique, interactive nature of sound in games. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how audio can shape both emotion and immersion, whether in a movie or a game.
What does your day-to-day look like in your role?
As an audio specialist, my day varies between designing immersive sounds for the game world and working on technical audio systems to make our tools more efficient. Additionally, I represent my colleagues in consultations and negotiations, organize activities, stay updated on labor laws and industry trends, and handle a variety of other tasks.
To balance these tasks effectively, I make a point of planning my day each morning and setting aside uninterrupted time for deep work. It is important to find a sustainable workflow, as the pace of game development can be intense. Taking care of your mental well-being and improving your process over time is key!
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it is experimenting with new audio technologies or taking on different challenges in my representative roles, there is always something new to explore. The most fulfilling part, however, is knowing that I can help improve my colleagues' lives by advocating for a more inclusive and responsible workplace.
What is something that inspires you about your role?
I am inspired by the collaboration in both my technical and representative roles. Seeing how cooperation enhances creativity and problem-solving is motivating. My representative and union work also drives me, as it gives me the chance to advocate for meaningful changes that align with my values, such as fairness, sustainability, and cooperation.
What other games or studios inspire you?
I am still inspired by my time at Quantic Dream, where I first worked as a Voice Designer. Their focus on combining emotional storytelling with advanced technology continues to influence me today.
I am also inspired by the work of audio and engineering professionals across Xbox Studios. We have a fantastic community for exchanging ideas, staying updated on new developments, and pushing the limits of what is possible in game audio.
Any words of inspiration to prospective game developers?
Stay curious and never stop learning. The industry is constantly evolving, so adaptability is key. Focus on what truly matters for your project, your team, and the players, and be intentional in everything you do. It is important to understand not just how a system works, but why it is needed and whether it aligns with your goals.
Also, remember that games are made by teams. Develop your collaboration skills just as much as your technical abilities. Staying kind-hearted, open-minded, and compassionate will help you succeed and contribute to a better future for yourself and all of us.
