Available to hire
I’m Michael Curran, a composer, sound designer, and. audio director with over two decades of experience shaping immersive soundscapes for AAA and independent games. I specialize in building cohesive audio ecosystems, leading cross-disciplinary teams, and delivering fully integrated soundtracks from concept to final mix.
I’ve led audio design for Civilization IV, and V, Civilization Beyond Earth at Firaxis Games, Ara History Untold at Oxide Games. I have collaborated with orchestras and ethnic musicians worldwide to record truly special performances. I love turning ideas into living, breathing musical soundscapes.
Skills
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Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Composer at Stardock Games
October 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026Composer for Ashes of the Singularity II; collaborated with developers to create cohesive musical themes and integration with gameplay.
Sound Designer at Oxide Games
August 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026Sound design for Ashes of the Singularity II; collaborated with development teams to implement immersive audio.
Composer at Dragon Snacks Games
May 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025Composer for Dragon Snacks Games; contributed to sound design and thematic music for the project.
Audio Director at Oxide Games
January 31, 2025 - August 9, 2025Led audio design and composition, including complete soundtrack creation for Ara History Untold AAA game, released in September 2024. Directed voice acting asset casting, editing, and direction. Managed a team of 3 sound designers and directed 2 composers to unify the soundtrack. Coordinated and directed outsourced composers, orchestrators, and ensembles including FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague, and collaborated with ethnic instrument performers globally. Purchased and integrated over 100 ancient and ethnic instruments into the soundtrack and oversaw all editing and final mixing of the soundtrack. Also led audio design and composition for an unreleased AAA fantasy game built in Unity (2023).
Lead Audio Designer / Lead Composer at Unreleased AAA Project
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Lead audio designer and lead composer on a fantasy Unity-based AAA title (unreleased as of 2023); responsible for audio direction, orchestration, and integration.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Unreleased Project
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Lead audio designer and lead composer for an AAA-grade project built in Unity.
Audio Director at Oxide Games
May 1, 2018 - January 31, 2025Led audio design for Ara History Untold (AAA; released Sept 2024); directed a team of 3 sound designers; coordinated outsourced composers and production companies; orchestrated large ensembles and ethnic instrument recordings; oversaw editing and final mixing of the soundtrack.
Audio Director at Stardock Games
November 30, 2017 - August 9, 2025Coordinated, scheduled, and directed outsourced sound designers and composers. Led audio design, composition, and sound design for several PC titles including Star Control (2018), Ashes of the Singularity (2016), Sorcerer King Rivals (2016), and Galactic Civilizations III (2015). Managed casting, direction, and editing of voice acting assets.
Composer at Stardock Games
January 1, 2016 - November 1, 2017Composer for Ashes of the Singularity II (PC) and related projects; collaborated with sound design team to ensure musical cohesion with overall audio direction.
Sound Designer at Stardock Games
January 1, 2015 - November 1, 2017Contributed sound design for Star Control, Ashes of the Singularity, Sorcerer King Rivals, and Galactic Civilizations III; aligned sonic elements with gameplay systems and narrative.
Audio Director at Stardock Games
April 1, 2014 - November 1, 2017Led audio design and music for multiple titles; coordinated outsourced sound designers and composers; directed recording of orchestral and ensemble performances; contributed to Star Control, Ashes of the Singularity, Sorcerer King Rivals, Galactic Civilizations III, and related projects.
Sound Designer, Composer, Audio Lead at Firaxis Games
March 31, 2014 - August 9, 2025Led a team of sound designers and composers while coordinating external sound designers, composers, orchestrators, and production companies. Oversaw large ensemble and orchestra recordings, including the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague. Served as lead audio designer and composer for Civilization Beyond Earth (2013), which won IFMCA best score and was ASCAP nominated for best score in interactive media. Also cast, directed, and edited voice acting for multiple Civilization titles and Sid Meier games from 2003 to 2014.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Civilization V: Brave New World
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Lead audio designer, sound designer, and lead composer for Brave New World expansion.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Sid Meier's Ace Patrol
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Lead audio designer/lead composer for Ace Patrol on PC OS titles.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Civilization Beyond Earth
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Lead audio designer/lead composer for Civilization Beyond Earth; IFMCA award for best score in interactive media (2013) and ASCAP nomination.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Civilization V: Gods & Kings
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012Lead audio designer, sound designer, and lead composer for Gods & Kings expansion.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Civilization V
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Lead audio designer, sound designer, and lead composer for Civilization V.
Sound Designer, Composer at Sid Meier's Revolution
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008Sound designer and composer for Civilization Revolution across multiple platforms.
Lead Audio Designer/Lead Composer at Civilization IV: Colonization
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008Lead audio designer, sound designer, and composer for Colonization expansion.
Lead Audio, Sound Designer, Composer at Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007Lead audio designer, sound designer, and composer for Beyond the Sword expansion.
Sound Designer, Composer at Sid Meier's Railroads!
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006Sound designer and composer for Railroads! (PC).
Sound Designer, Composer at Civilization IV: Warlords
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006Sound designer and composer for Warlords expansion.
Sound Designer, Composer at Civilization IV
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005Sound designer and composer for Civilization IV.
Sound Designer, Composer at Sid Meier's Pirates
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004Sound designer and composer for Pirates (Xbox, PC).
Company Manager, Sound Designer, Composer, Audio Lead at Children’s Theater Association
August 31, 2003 - August 9, 2025Performed diverse duties including audio direction, stage managing tours, working with child actors, voice casting and recording, sound effects, playwright, company management, and composition from May 1996 to August 2003.
Lead Audio Designer / Lead Composer at Firaxis Games
August 1, 2003 - March 1, 2014Led a team of sound designers and in-house composers; oversaw outsourced orchestration and production; directed large ensemble recordings (FILMharmonic Orchestra Prague and FILMharmonic Choir Prague); coordinated solo recordings of ethnic instruments and vocals; integrated soundtrack with gameplay across Civilization titles.
Sound Designer, Composer, Audio Lead at Firaxis Games
August 1, 2003 - March 1, 2014Led a team of sound designers and in-house composers; directed outsourced designers, composers, orchestrators; oversaw recording of large ensembles and orchestra for Civilization titles (e.g., Beyond Earth, Gods & Kings, Brave New World, IV-era titles).
Sound Designer, Composer at Civilization III: Conquests
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003Sound designer and composer for Civilization III: Conquests.
Education
Qualifications
Industry Experience
Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Education, Other, Software & Internet, Professional Services
Skills
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Expert
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