Ear Hockey, a Microsoft Garage Project

About

A chaotic arcade game that uses sound as its main mechanic. You control a paddle on a circular arena using keyboard arrows while wearing headphones. A puck moves around the space with audio cues that shift in volume and direction. The goal is to hit the puck past your opponent’s side before they do. Since visuals are minimal you rely entirely on spatial audio to track the action. Matches are short bursts of frantic movement and timing. The game’s creative use of audio design sets it apart. Players often mention how it forces a new kind of focus by removing visual distractions. As a Microsoft Garage project it leans into experimental gameplay with a low barrier to entry. Though not graphically intensive it has a cult following for its accessibility and novel concept. Many replay it for the challenge of mastering sound-based reflexes.