Random SFX Player

The Random SFX Player is a simple, focused implementation of the BaseRandomAudioPlayer designed specifically for sound effects. It provides immediate playback of random audio files from a specified folder, making it ideal for impact sounds, UI feedback, weapon sounds, and other event-driven audio.

Design Philosophy

The RandomSFXPlayer embodies the principle of simplicity and single responsibility:

1. Single Purpose: Does one thing well, it plays random sound effects.

2. Immediate Response: No delays, fading, or complex transitions. When play_random() is called, audio plays immediately.

3. Minimal Configuration: Inherits all configuration from BaseRandomAudioPlayer without adding complexity.

4. Fire-and-Forget: Perfect for one-shot sound effects that don’t require ongoing management.

The Code

## Plays a random audio from a folder when play_random() is called.
class_name RandomSFXPlayer
extends BaseRandomAudioPlayer

func play_random() -> void:
  if _available_streams.is_empty():
    push_warning(
      "RandomSFXPlayer: No audio files available to play from '%s'."
      % audio_folder
    )
    return

  var next_sfx_stream := _get_next_random_stream()
  if next_sfx_stream:
    stream = next_sfx_stream
    play()
  else:
    # This might happen if _get_next_random_stream somehow fails, though unlikely
    # if _available_streams was not empty.
    push_warning(
      "RandomSFXPlayer: Could not get a valid audio stream to play."
    )

Error Handling

This class checks for two main conditions before attempting to play audio:

if _available_streams.is_empty():
    # First check: Are there any audio files loaded?

var next_sfx_stream := _get_next_random_stream()
if next_sfx_stream:
    # Second check: Did the selection process succeed?

This approach provides:

1. Clear Error Messages: Different error conditions produce different warning messages, making debugging easier.

2. Graceful Degradation: Failed audio doesn’t crash the game or break the calling code.

3. Defensive Programming: Handles edge cases that theoretically shouldn’t happen but might in practice.

When to Use

Suitable for

• Weapon impact sounds
• UI button clicks and interactions
• Footstep variations
• Environmental interaction sounds (door opening, item pickup, etc.)
• Quick, one-shot audio feedback

Not Suitable for

• Background music (use RandomMusicPlayer)
• Ambient soundscapes (use IntervalAudioPlayer)
• Audio that needs crossfading or complex transitions
• Continuous or looping sounds

Configuration Inheritance

The class inherits all configuration from BaseRandomAudioPlayer:

• audio_folder: Directory containing the SFX files
• file_extensions: Supported audio formats
• avoid_repeats: Prevents immediate sound repetition

This inheritance means you get all the robust file loading and randomization logic without any additional complexity.

Tips

1. Keep files short - SFX should typically be under 2-3 seconds for responsive gameplay.

2. Match volumes carefully - Ensure all variations have similar volume levels to maintain consistency.

3. Test repeat avoidance - With avoid_repeats enabled, make sure you have at least 2-3 variations to prevent obvious patterns.

4. Consider attenuation - Since this extends AudioStreamPlayer3D, configure the attenuation curve for realistic distance falloff.

5. Use descriptive names - Clear audio file names help with debugging and content management.