Nicholas Tardif

Composer, sound designer

🐦 DesignEngineerSound engineerSound designerEntertainment

Hi, I’m Nicholas Tardif — composer, sound designer, and multi-instrumentalist with over 12 years of experience in the gaming industry. Originally from Connecticut, I spent 11 years living and performing in New York City before relocating to Sapporo, Japan, where I now work and perform. I specialize in crafting immersive audio environments that help tell stories and bring gameplay to life. I also compose music designed to support and elevate a wide range of creative projects. Over the years, I’ve contributed to more than 100 game titles at High 5 Games, including Shadow of the Panther Infinity, which won the 2023 EKG Slot Award for Most Innovative Slot. My work spans everything from engaging underscore and adaptive sound effects to UI audio, cinematic trailers, and full sound packages. From 2012 to 2025, I was part of the audio team at High 5 Games — eventually leading projects and mentoring a team of talented composer/sound designers. I thrive in collaborative environments and am fluent with tools such as Logic Pro X, and Sibelius, FMOD. I also have a working knowledge of FMOD, Pro Tools, and Unity as well as production pipeline tools JIRA and ShotGrid. Outside of game audio, I’ve worked professionally as a bassist and guitarist since college, touring both the U.S. East and West Coasts. I now lead groups and perform as a sideman in Japan, often showcasing my original compositions. I’ve also had the opportunity to study privately with Juilliard professor Kendal Durelle Briggs, which deepened my understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and composition. Currently, I aim to expand my reach and continue building meaningful relationships across the fields of film, music, game audio, apps, and any creative space where music and sound can elevate an idea. I bring a mix of musical depth and hands-on collaboration to every project — and I’m always excited to connect with new teams and creative minds. Let’s make something memorable together!