The Board, a central and unsettling presence in Remedy's Control Resonant, underwent significant audio design evolution from its predecessor. In the original Control, the entity communicated through a hotline, resulting in muffled, static-laced transmissions. However, for Control Resonant, The Board speaks directly into protagonist Dylan Faden's mind, demanding a clearer, more commanding, and alien vocal identity. Lucas Pierrot, audio lead on Control Resonant, explained that this shift was fundamental to the narrative, establishing a direct line of communication between The Board and Dylan, and by extension, the player.
The audio design for The Board began in September 2021, with creative director Mikael Kasurinen's remark that The Board was 'on a warpath' serving as a key inspiration. Pierrot sought to convey a sense of 'ritualized anger,' drawing parallels to the Māori Haka war dance. This involved experimenting with rhythmic chanting, unison vocals, and percussive elements to create a feeling of power and tension, even when the language itself is indecipherable. The goal was to evoke an otherworldly fury distinct from human emotion.
To achieve this unique sound, Pierrot employed a specialized microphone to record at high frequencies, allowing for extensive audio manipulation. While some theories suggested throat singing, Pierrot clarified that he instead focused on manipulating the natural resonances, or formants, within his own voice to construct the identities of five distinct Board members. This approach allowed for greater control and consistency across the entity's varied vocalizations. These five members could speak in unison for powerful pronouncements or individually, adding complexity and nuance to their communication.
Despite the deliberate construction, The Board's language is intentionally abstract. Pierrot established a foundational structure to imply intelligence and elicit emotional responses, but the core design relies on ambiguity. A recurring 'pulse' sound acts as a rhythmic cue, emphasizing certain words and providing a sense of punctuation. This deliberate gibberish allows players to project their own interpretations onto The Board's dialogue, hearing encouragement, disdain, or other sentiments based on their personal biases and in-game actions. This aspect of the design was intended to be 'neat,' enabling players to 'hear what they want to hear.'
Beyond its primary role, The Board also features subtle easter eggs, including singing sequences when Dylan is in The Gap, a serene in-game location. Pierrot confirmed this chanting was a significant part of his recording process but remained coy about other potential hidden elements. The unique audio design has also resonated with players online, leading to the creation of memes and community reactions that the development team has found amusing and appreciative. The team expressed gratitude for the player reception, acknowledging that player engagement is the driving force behind their work.