Our journey with Returnal began in its earliest conceptual phase, where we developed the foundational audio blueprint through an internal pre-visualization trailer. This crucial piece helped secure the game's production greenlight and became an essential tool for staff onboarding, establishing the sonic direction that would define Returnal's unique atmosphere.

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In a remarkable full-circle moment, the official launch trailer mirrored the structure of that initial green light video, recreated years later with the full power of the finished game. This symmetry demonstrated how the original sonic vision had evolved while staying true to its core concept.

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Each trailer demanded a careful balance of tension and discovery, mirroring Selene's haunting journey through Atropos. The cinematic sound design emphasized both quiet, atmospheric moments and powerful combat sequences, while maintaining the psychological horror elements central to her narrative. This dynamic range helped establish the alien nature of the environment while keeping audiences engaged throughout each marketing beat.

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A highlight of the campaign was scoring "Breaking the Cycle," a special developer documentary that delved into the game's narrative complexities. The musical approach here needed to complement both the behind-the-scenes content and the game's mysterious atmosphere, creating a bridge between the development story and the final experience.

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The marketing campaign culminated in multiple Clio Awards, contributing to Returnal's successful launch and critical acclaim. Our audio work helped establish the game's unique identity, from those early concept phases through to release, supporting Housemarque's vision for this groundbreaking title.