THX Ltd., Neural Audio Corp. and Sierra Ent., a division of Vivendi Games, announced that PROTOTYPE, the first-person shooter (FPS) for next-gen gaming consoles and PCs, will be the first videogame to feature Neural-THX Surround. The Neural-THX Surround technology enabled Radical Ent., an internal development studio of Sierra, to extend the surround sound experience from 5.1 to 7.1. PROTOTYPE will go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2008.

Expanding the game audio experience to 7.1 allows gamers to add two speakers to the rear of their home theaters or living rooms, creating a 360-degree listening environment. When playing PROTOTYPE in Neural-THX Surround, sound elements are placed in front of, beside and behind gamers, enabling them to react to audio cues all around them. A demonstration of the Neural-THX Surround 7.1 game experience will be available in the THX booth (South Hall: 20307) during CES 2008.

"Game developers and consumers alike are recognizing the importance of accurate surround sound to the overall game experience, and the move to 7.1 surround represents a natural evolution of game audio," said Dr. Mark Tuffy, games director at THX Ltd. "The PROTOTYPE storyline and use of surround sound elements makes it the perfect fit for 7.1 game-play."