Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Flower lands on Vita, viewable at E3's Indiecade exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/flower-lands-on-vita-viewable-at-e3s-indiecade-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/flower-lands-on-vita-viewable-at-e3s-indiecade-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/flower-lands-on-vita-viewable-at-e3s-indiecade-exhibit/#commentsFlower lands on Vita, viewable at E3's Indiecade exhibit Flower is coming to Vita after four years as a PS3 exclusive, according to the list of Indiecade games coming to E3. Flower used tilt controls on the PS3, and the Vita version will take advantage of the system's touchscreen and motion-sensing abilities.

"Using simple touch or motion controls, the player guides the lead petal and accumulates a swarm of flower petals as he moves at his own pace within the environment, causing the on-screen world to change," the Flower Vita description reads.

Flower was designed by Jenova Chen and thatgamecompany, which went on to develop Journey.

Indiecade's lineup of E3 games lists two Vita titles, IGF finalist Hohokum from Honeyslug and Flower Vita. Indiecade consistently brings a solid batch of underground games to E3, and this year it features 37 PC, Vita, mobile, console, card and Sifteo Cubes games, including 7 Grand Steps, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Legend of Dungeon, Guns of Icarus Online, Tower of Guns and Towerfall.

Continue reading Flower lands on Vita, viewable at E3's Indiecade exhibit

JoystiqFlower lands on Vita, viewable at E3's Indiecade exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2013FlowerIndieCadeplaystationplaystation-vitaThatGameCompanyvitaWed, 29 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thatgamecompany's next project is 'years' away, says departing dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/thatgamecompanys-next-project-is-years-away-says-departing-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/thatgamecompanys-next-project-is-years-away-says-departing-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/thatgamecompanys-next-project-is-years-away-says-departing-d/#comments The next thatgamecompany project won't see the light of day for "years," according to Asher Vollmer, who announced he's left the developer. In a blog post, Vollmer said he left the Flower and Journey studio because focusing on his work forced him to neglect his own game ideas, a feeling exacerbated by the "snail's pace" progress of development.

"The Game is going to be incredible," wrote Vollmer, referring to TGC's current work-in-progress, "But it is moving slowly. There are YEARS remaining on the project and, quite frankly, those are years I don't want to give up for a game that isn't truly mine."

While details remain closely guarded, we know thatgamecompany's next project is a multiplatform one, and that it's being developed on the back of a $5.5 million investment from venture capital firm Benchmark Capital. Studio co-founder Jenova Chen told us touch interfaces and free-to-play models are being considered, but not much is set in stone.

As for Vollmer, the end of his tenure as a Feel Engineer at thatgamecompany means the Puzzlejuice creator himself become independent. However, in his blog post Vollmer noted thatgamecompany's next project as something he didn't "casually abandon."

"It's going to be huge. And I don't mean it's going to be a long sprawling game," Vollmer wrote. "I mean it's going to be an IMPORTANT game. I genuinely believe it's going to change the industry in a really positive way."

No pressure then, TGC.

JoystiqThatgamecompany's next project is 'years' away, says departing dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asher-vollmerthatgamecompanyTue, 09 Apr 2013 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Journey gets a trailer for Rocket Death Match DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/april-fools-journey-gets-a-trailer-for-rocket-death-match-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/april-fools-journey-gets-a-trailer-for-rocket-death-match-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/april-fools-journey-gets-a-trailer-for-rocket-death-match-dlc/#comments
thatgamecompany is probably the last group of folks we expect these shenanigans from; They're always so artsy and sincere! But there must be a few yuksters around Sony's studio in Santa Monica, because the studio created this faux trailer for April Fool's Day, threatening to invade the serene landscape of Journey with some raucous Rocket Death Match DLC.

Then again, maybe it makes sense. Getting vaporized with an across-the-map rocket shot in Halo might not be the same kind of emotion that we felt at the end of Journey, but they can both be pretty tearful experiences.

JoystiqApril Fools: Journey gets a trailer for Rocket Death Match DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2013comedyjokestersjourneyplaystationps3rocket-matchsonythatgamecompanyTue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey sweeps Game Developers Choice Awards, wins 6 of 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/journey-sweeps-game-developers-choice-awards-wins-6-of-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/journey-sweeps-game-developers-choice-awards-wins-6-of-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/journey-sweeps-game-developers-choice-awards-wins-6-of-11/#comments Journey sweeps Game Developers Choice Awards, wins 6 of 11Journey and thatgamecompany claimed six of the 11 total prizes at the Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony during GDC 2013 tonight: the Game of the Year Award, Best Audio, Best Game Design, Best Visual Arts, Best Downloadable Game and the Innovation Award. We have to say, the GDCA has good taste.

The first-ever GDCA Audience Award prize went to Arkane Studios' Dishonored. FTL: Faster Than Light picked up the award for Best Debut, and Telltale's The Walking Dead walked away with the Best Narrative award. Take a peek at the complete list of winners below.

Continue reading Journey sweeps Game Developers Choice Awards, wins 6 of 11

JoystiqJourney sweeps Game Developers Choice Awards, wins 6 of 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidGDCGDC-2013GDCAiosipadiphonejourneymacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ThatGameCompanyxboxWed, 27 Mar 2013 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[thatinterview with thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/thatinterview-with-thatgamecompany-co-founder-jenova-chen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/thatinterview-with-thatgamecompany-co-founder-jenova-chen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/thatinterview-with-thatgamecompany-co-founder-jenova-chen/#comments In a relatively quiet, upstairs nook of the rain-soaked Palmer Events Center in Austin, TX, thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen and I sat down to discuss Journey, his company's future and his thoughts on free-to-play business models, among other things.

For Chen, 2012 was an auspicious year. Journey was a critical smash hit, earning top honors at DICE and a five-award sweep at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts game awards, among other illustrious achievements. Beyond its success with the press, however, Journey's release represented an even larger milestone for Chen and thatgamecompany: The developer's three-game exclusivity agreement with Sony had come to an end.

Continue reading thatinterview with thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen

Joystiqthatinterview with thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flowflowerjenova-chenjourneySXSW-2013thatgamecompanyTue, 12 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey, Dishonored and The Room win big with BAFTA game awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/journey-dishonored-and-the-room-win-big-with-bafta-game-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/journey-dishonored-and-the-room-win-big-with-bafta-game-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/journey-dishonored-and-the-room-win-big-with-bafta-game-awards/#comments British Academy honors Journey, Dishonored, more with Games AwardsJourney took top honours at this year's BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) game awards, with five different gongs going to thatgamecompany for Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Online Multiplayer, Best Game Design, and Best Original Music.

The Unfinished Swan picked up two awards, for Game Innovation and Debut Game. Dishonored won the award for Best Game in 2013, and iOS tactile puzzler The Room picked up an award for the Best British Game.

Valve's Gabe Newell was given an Academy Fellowship award for his storied career, while the "Ones to Watch" award (meant to showcase the best young game dev talent) was given to a game called Starcrossed, made by students working with the Dare to Be Digital competition.

Continue reading Journey, Dishonored and The Room win big with BAFTA game awards

JoystiqJourney, Dishonored and The Room win big with BAFTA game awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbaftabritishbritish-academy-games-awardsdishonoredjourneypcplaystationps3starcrossedthatgamecompanythe-unfinished-swanTue, 05 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let Austin Wintory guide you through Journey's soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/let-austin-wintory-guide-you-through-journeys-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/let-austin-wintory-guide-you-through-journeys-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/let-austin-wintory-guide-you-through-journeys-soundtrack/#comments
We absolutely adore the soundtrack to Journey, but going through the complete score with composer Austin Wintory's commentary proves that guy experiences music on a level we'll never understand.

JoystiqLet Austin Wintory guide you through Journey's soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-wintoryjourneyplaystationps3soundtrackthatgamecompanyTue, 05 Mar 2013 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3 lead BAFTA 2013 nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/journey-walking-dead-far-cry-3-dominate-bafta-2013-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/journey-walking-dead-far-cry-3-dominate-bafta-2013-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/journey-walking-dead-far-cry-3-dominate-bafta-2013-nominations/#comments Journey scooped eight nominations in the British Academy of Film and Television's Games Awards this year. As if it hadn't won enough of the like, thatgamecompany's PS3 odyssey is a contender for BAFTA's Best Game award, competing with Dishonored, FIFA 13, Mass Effect 3, Far Cry 3, and The Walking Dead for the prize.

It's the two latter games that also lead the way in terms of nominations; Far Cry 3 received six nods, while The Walking Dead picked up seven, including two in the Performer category for Melissa Hutchinson and Dave Fennoy's respective portrayals of Clementine and Lee.

Dear Esther is also clearly popular at BAFTA HQ. The melancholic game, developed by indie studio thechineseroom, can boast a very impressive five nominations including ones in the British Game and Debut Game categories.

The full list of nominees is after the break. BAFTA's Games Awards take place on March 5.

Continue reading Journey, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3 lead BAFTA 2013 nominations

JoystiqJourney, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3 lead BAFTA 2013 nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidawardsbaftaiosipadiphonejourneykinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3thatgamecompanyvitawii-uxboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey bankrupted the studio, next game to be multiplatform, Chen says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-bankrupted-the-studio-next-game-to-be-multiplatform-ch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-bankrupted-the-studio-next-game-to-be-multiplatform-ch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-bankrupted-the-studio-next-game-to-be-multiplatform-ch/#comments Jenova Chen Journey development bankrupted company and other interesting tidbitsDeveloping Journey cost thatgamecompany a lot of time, talent and all of its money, creator Jenova Chen said during his DICE 2013 address. Journey bankrupted thatgamecompany; Chen began its development in 2006 and the studio eventually received two extensions from Sony so the team could perfect the game's emotional impact.

"We did get the money, we got to finish the extra year, but a lot of people in our studio were not paid in the last half of the year, and we actually paid our savings to extend the game for another couple months," Chen said. "So by the end, when we shipped Journey, we also went bankrupt as thatgamecompany."

In the end, Chen said it was worth it, if only to see the deep, human impact Journey had on its players. One email he received told Sophia's story, a 15-year-old who played Journey with her dad before he died and said the game changed her life for the better.

Next up, Chen wants to create a similarly artistic, but more commercially successful game, in an attempt to broaden the game development industry as a whole, he tells Polygon. Thatgamecompany's next game will be multiplatform, unlike its previous, Sony-exclusive games.

JoystiqJourney bankrupted the studio, next game to be multiplatform, Chen says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2013jenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3ThatGameCompanyMon, 11 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey soundtrack loses Grammy to Girl with the Dragon Tattoo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-soundtrack-loses-grammy-to-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-soundtrack-loses-grammy-to-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/journey-soundtrack-loses-grammy-to-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/#comments Austin Wintory loses Grammy to Trent ReznorAustin Wintory's composition of thatgamecompany's Journey soundtrack earned him a Grammy nomination in the Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media category, an accomplishment Wintory was shocked to achieve. It marked the first time a full video game score was recognized by the Academy, following Christopher Tin's win in 2011 with the song "Baba Yetu" from the Civilization 4 soundtrack.

Last night, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross took home the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, for their The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo music. Wintory took the news in stride on Twitter, congratulating Reznor on the win.

"Obviously I didn't work on #JourneyPS3 hoping to win a Grammy," Wintory later tweeted. "The entire point was the game itself and that's gone beyond my wildest dreams." Journey won the top honor at the DICE 2013 awards and we were fairly fond of it as well. Good work, Wintory.

JoystiqJourney soundtrack loses Grammy to Girl with the Dragon Tattoo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Austin-Wintorygrammygrammy-awardsgrammysjourneyplaystationps3ThatGameCompanyMon, 11 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey makes its way to No. 1 on PSN charts for December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/journey-makes-its-way-to-no-1-on-psn-charts-for-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/journey-makes-its-way-to-no-1-on-psn-charts-for-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/journey-makes-its-way-to-no-1-on-psn-charts-for-december/#comments Journey tops PSN charts in DecemberJourney is a pretty fantastic game. Not only do we completely agree with this sentiment, but US PSN players do too - Journey topped the PSN sales charts in December, beating out Mass Effect, Far Cry 3, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and The Walking Dead Episode 5: No Time Left.

Helping to fill out the top 20 full-games list was Assassin's Creed 3, Grand Theft Auto 4, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Tokyo Jungle, and The Walking Dead episodes three and four. LittleBigPlanet Vita was the No. 1 Vita game in December, while the Black Ops 2 Season Pass was the top add-on.

In related PSN news, European players can snag some sweet deals this month on games such as Saints Row: The Third, Spec Ops: The Line, Mafia 2, Jet Set Radio, Hell Yeah! and quite a few more. Check out the complete list here.

JoystiqJourney makes its way to No. 1 on PSN charts for December originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3PSNThatGameCompanyWed, 09 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-journey/#comments Watchmen, the monumental graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, was once deemed "unfilmable." So entrenched were the creators in the structure and language of their chosen medium, that no interpretation, even if faithful to the plot and characters, could truly convey as intended this study of duplicitous, damaged superheroes.

One of my favorite novels, "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski, belongs best in a book, which you flutter through, turn upside down and decode in mad layers. The core of it, however, is a spooky, spatially suspect house. Hollywood can probably handle that - and I'd go see the results - but it wouldn't be the same without the scribbled anecdotes, the cover and the spine.

Journey is an unfilmable video game, despite being rooted in a concept that's miraculously relatable and explainable (for a game). A slender being, draped in beautiful and unfettered fabrics, is drawn to a mountain. The beacon beckons not with words, but a language enmeshed with the world itself. Some designers show they care by putting a dot on your screen; others make you a mountain.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Journey

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2012goty-2012journeyjoystiq-best-of-2012playstationps3thatgamecompanyThu, 03 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey soundtrack receives Grammy nomination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/journey-soundtrack-receives-grammy-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/journey-soundtrack-receives-grammy-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/journey-soundtrack-receives-grammy-nomination/#comments Journey soundtrack receives Grammy nominationAustin Wintory must be floating on air after learning his Journey soundtrack is nominated for a Grammy. Wintory's work for thatgamecompany's PSN adventure is going up against scores from the likes of John Williams, Howard Shore, and Hans Zimmer as it bids to take home only the second Grammy ever won for video game music.

While Journey represents the first game to get a Grammy nod for its soundtrack, the accolade for the first game music ever nominated belongs to Civilization 4 and Christopher Tin's "Baba Yetu." Tin went one better after he took home the golden gramophone for "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists" back in 2011.

As for the 2013 awards, the full list of nominees for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media are Journey, The Adventures of Tintin, The Artist, The Dark Knight Rises, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Hugo. Wintory learns if he's to follow in Tin's footsteps on February 10, 2013, when the 55th Annual Grammy Awards are held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

JoystiqJourney soundtrack receives Grammy nomination originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-wintroygrammy-awardsgrammysjourneyplaystationps3PSNthatgamecompanyThu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit List Q&A: Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany President]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hit-list-qanda-jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hit-list-qanda-jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hit-list-qanda-jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-president/#commentsIn the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: thatgamecompany President Jenova Chen.
Hit List Q&A Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany President
A note from the AIAS:

Jenova Chen is President & Creative Director for thatgamecompany (TGC). TGC is best known for creating experimental, artistic, and accessible games that touch players on an emotional level. TGC designed and developed the award-winning PSN titles flOw, Flower, and, most recently, Journey.

At the upcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit conference, Jenova will be speaking on: Emotion Oriented Interactive Entertainment - Inspirations and Theories Behind Journey. Jenova learned many valuable lessons on what went well and how to do better on his quest to create games that deliver a lasting emotional impact. Jenova will discuss TGC's founding design philosophy and share some of the lessons he and his team gleaned from TGC's past six years developing three innovative downloadable games.

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany President

JoystiqHit List Q&A: Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany President originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiashit-listjenova-chenjourneypcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythatgamecompanyvitaWed, 07 Nov 2012 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey soundtrack jumps, floats to CD [update: autographed copies at thatgamecompany store]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/journey-soundtrack-jumps-floats-to-cd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/journey-soundtrack-jumps-floats-to-cd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/journey-soundtrack-jumps-floats-to-cd/#comments
The soundtrack to thatgamecompany's Journey is now available on CD thanks to Sumthing Else Music Works. You can snag it from Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon or GameStop. If you can abandon your lust for physical media, it's still available on iTunes for significantly less.

Update: Thatgamecompany informs Joystiq that interested fans can snag autographed copies of the soundtrack from the studio's store. For a limited time, all copies will be signed by the soundtrack's composer, Austin Wintory.

Continue reading Journey soundtrack jumps, floats to CD [update: autographed copies at thatgamecompany store]

JoystiqJourney soundtrack jumps, floats to CD [update: autographed copies at thatgamecompany store] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3thatgamecompanyWed, 10 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-orders open for 'The Art of Journey,' first 750 copies signed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/pre-orders-open-for-the-art-of-journey-first-750-copies-signe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/pre-orders-open-for-the-art-of-journey-first-750-copies-signe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/pre-orders-open-for-the-art-of-journey-first-750-copies-signe/#comments Preorders open for 'The Art of Journey,' first 750 copies signed by creatorsThe Art of Journey, thatgamecompany's compendium of concept and production artwork from its unbelievably gorgeous PSN game, can now be pre-ordered for $60 through Bluecanvas. The first 750 people to place their order will receive a copy of the book signed by Journey creative director Jenova Chen and art director Matt Nava.

While some of the art book's pages are equipped with augmented reality capabilities, the new photos of the product below are not. You can, however, hold a book up to your nose while looking at these pictures, and it's kind of like Smell-O-Vision.

Gallery: The Art of Journey (Packaging)

JoystiqPre-orders open for 'The Art of Journey,' first 750 copies signed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-bookartbookbluecanvasjourneySCEAthatgamecompanythe-art-of-journeySat, 08 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey's art travels to bookshelves next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/journeys-art-travels-to-bookshelves-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/journeys-art-travels-to-bookshelves-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/journeys-art-travels-to-bookshelves-next-month/#comments 'The Art of Journey' book coming in September
The beautiful art of Journey - and we're talking about the PS3 game here, and not the band, although the cover design for Escape is a total classic - will be available in a coffee table-appropriate format next month.

The Art of Journey, a hardcover book designed and written by art director Matt Nava, includes art from the game, and discusses the influences and ideas behind its development. It also includes in-game 3D models, visible AR-style by pointing a smartphone at a special code on the page. For more multimedia satisfaction, the book also includes a PSN voucher for a copy of the Journey soundtrack.

JoystiqJourney's art travels to bookshelves next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-bookartbookjourneyplaystationps3psnThatGameCompanythe-art-of-journeyTue, 28 Aug 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at the Journey: Collector's Edition mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/take-a-look-at-the-journey-collectors-edition-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/take-a-look-at-the-journey-collectors-edition-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/take-a-look-at-the-journey-collectors-edition-mini-games/#comments Take a look at the Journey Collector's Edition minigames
Journey: Collector's Edition is out today. The collection bundles together thatgamecompany's Flow, Flower and, of course, Journey into a single package - but that's not all. It also includes three never-before-seen mini-games from internal "24hr Game Jams." We put together a short video showcasing all three of these new games: Gravediggers, Duke War and Nostril Shot.

If that isn't enough to entice you, know that there are cat ninjas at one point.

JoystiqTake a look at the Journey: Collector's Edition mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duke-wargravediggersjourneyjourney-collectors-editionnostril-shotplaystationps3sceasony-computer-entertainment-americasony-santa-monicaThatGameCompanyTue, 28 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany opens merch store with limited time bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/thatgamecompany-opens-merch-store-with-limited-time-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/thatgamecompany-opens-merch-store-with-limited-time-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/thatgamecompany-opens-merch-store-with-limited-time-bonuses/#comments thatgamecompany opens a merch storeDespite not having license from Sony to sell merchandise based on its own games, developer thatgamecompany has launched an online merchandise store. The store's inventory includes a single product: a 'Koko/Glyph' thatgamecompany promotional t-shirt.

As a limited bonus for purchasing the $20 shirt, thatgamecompany will include "a set of flOw, Flower, and Journey cards (Journey card is signed), and five buttons" (as seen above). After this unknown limited run, orders will only include "some buttons." Shirts appear to be going fast, as many sizes are already listed as out of stock.

We think the shirt looks great - we just wish it would stop pointing to that bald spot on the back of our head. We get it.

Joystiqthatgamecompany opens merch store with limited time bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3thatgamecompanyMon, 23 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey unearths retro head-hunting in CE minigame, 'Gravediggers']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/journey-unearths-retro-head-hunting-in-ce-minigame-gravedigger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/journey-unearths-retro-head-hunting-in-ce-minigame-gravedigger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/journey-unearths-retro-head-hunting-in-ce-minigame-gravedigger/#comments
Journey minigame 'Gravediggers' video, deets
One of the three minigames included in the Journey Collector's Edition is Gravediggers, a title (un)borne from thatgamecompany's first 24-hour game jam in 2008, though it looks more like it comes out of 1980. The static visuals belie a complex multiplayer game, wherein up to six players have to shoot the heads off of zombies and other players alike, and deposit them in crypts, with the first player to 50 heads winning the round.

Polygon reports that zombies can kill you, as can other players, and opponent's heads are worth five points rather than the one point for each zombie cranium. Watch (or mostly listen to) the action above and prepare to pack your pistols come August 28.

JoystiqJourney unearths retro head-hunting in CE minigame, 'Gravediggers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-jamgravediggersjourneyMinigameplaystationps3RetroThatGameCompanyzombiesThu, 19 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey: Collector's Edition won't make the trip to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/journey-collectors-edition-wont-make-the-trip-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/journey-collectors-edition-wont-make-the-trip-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/journey-collectors-edition-wont-make-the-trip-to-europe/#comments European fans hoping to pick up the upcoming collector's edition of Journey may be waiting a long time, possibly forever. It appears that the special boxed edition of Journey won't be available in Europe at all, according to thatgamecompany's Twitter account. "We wish Europeans could get it, but there's nothing we can do," reads a TGC tweet, adding further that perturbed fans should make their complaints known to the PlayStation EU Twitter account.

Journey: Collector's Edition was fully revealed over the weekend, and features lots of goodies for the discerning thatgamecompany devotee. In addition to copies of Journey, Flower and Flow, the disc also includes a 30-minute documentary on Journey, commentary, art, screens, soundtracks and three additional mini-games: Grave Digger, Duke War!! and Nostril Shot.

JoystiqJourney: Collector's Edition won't make the trip to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flowflowerjourneyplaystationps3ThatGameCompanyTue, 26 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Journey: Collector's Edition' gets 'exclusive minigames,' all three soundtracks on Aug. 28 for $30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/journey-collectors-edition-gets-exclusive-minigames-all-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/journey-collectors-edition-gets-exclusive-minigames-all-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/journey-collectors-edition-gets-exclusive-minigames-all-t/#comments 'Journey Collector's Edition' gets 'exclusive minigames,' all three soundtracks
Journey Collector's Edition's contents got a lot clearer this morning, as thatgamecompany revealed the box art and more details on its website. The collection comprises all three thatgamecompany PSN games - Flow, Flower, and Journey - and also includes a one-month PS Plus membership, "exclusive mini games," creator commentary audio tracks, soundtracks for all three games, and a variety of other bonuses (the full list is below the break).

The re-release launches on August 28 for $30 in North America ("info for additional territories to be announced soon"), and the minigames are described as "three exclusive mini-games born out of a thatgamecompany tradition: the 24hr Game Jam." The three games, "Gravediggers," "Nostril Shot," and "Duke War!!," were each created by TGC "start to finish in 24 hours," and their release with this collection marks the first time the trio can be played (except for those who played the games while visiting TGC).

There's also reversible cover art on the box - TGC's first physical release - which excites us greatly. Remember that sweet Ico/Shadow of the Colossus reversible cover art? That was pretty much the best. We're hoping this woos us even more.

Continue reading 'Journey: Collector's Edition' gets 'exclusive minigames,' all three soundtracks on Aug. 28 for $30

Joystiq'Journey: Collector's Edition' gets 'exclusive minigames,' all three soundtracks on Aug. 28 for $30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryduke-warflowflowergravediggersjourneyjourney-collectors-editionminigamesnostril-shotplaystationps3q3-2012release-datesceasony-computer-entertainment-americasoundtracktgcthatgamecompanyMon, 25 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey, Flower and Flow PS3 bundle listed for late summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/journey-flower-and-flow-ps3-bundle-listed-for-late-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/journey-flower-and-flow-ps3-bundle-listed-for-late-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/journey-flower-and-flow-ps3-bundle-listed-for-late-summer/#comments thatgamecompany confirmed early this morning that a disc-based Journey collector's edition, which will include Flow and Flower, is a thing for PlayStation 3, but "can't say anything more."

That's okay, we'll let retailers do a little more of the talking: both GameFly and Play-Asia list the compilation with an August release date. There is no speculation on price at this time.

None of thatgamecompany's PlayStation Network PS3 titles were previously available on disc, but Flow was available on PSP. The most excellent Journey concluded the developer's three-game deal with Sony and now thatgamecompany is moving toward unknown horizons in self-publishing.

Update: Added full statement from company after the break.

Continue reading Journey, Flower and Flow PS3 bundle listed for late summer

JoystiqJourney, Flower and Flow PS3 bundle listed for late summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flowflowerjourneyplaystationps3ThatGameCompanyThu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey dev goes fully independent, self-publishing next game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/journey-dev-goes-multiplatform-fully-independent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/journey-dev-goes-multiplatform-fully-independent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/journey-dev-goes-multiplatform-fully-independent/#comments Journey dev goes multiplatform, fully independentHaving completed its three-game contractual stint with Sony Computer Entertainment America, the team behind Flow, Flower, and Journey is breaking free with a $5.5 million infusion of capital from Benchmark Capital's Mitch Lasky. "Today I am pleased to announce thatgamecompany has raised funding to develop and release our games independently," company co-founder Jenova Chen wrote on the TGC blog.

"This enables us to bring our games to more platforms and provide our players the highest quality experience at every point of contact," Chen added. TGC's first three games are owned by Sony, so don't expect to see them going multiplatform anytime soon. The company's next project, however, could end up on any number of platforms. He stopped short of revealing what TGC's next big project is, but said the team is "very excited about our new adventure" and will offer more news about it "soon."

thatgamecompany celebrated its sixth year in operation this past May with two new hires, and said goodbye to several employees earlier in the year. Chen said in May that TGC was courting publishers for its next game, but today pointed out that the company will be self-publishing instead.

Update: thatgamecompany issued Joystiq the following statement: "We are extremely excited to be partnering with Benchmark Capital, as now we are going to be self-publishing our next games. We haven't announced if our next game will be multiplatform, but we are trying to reach a larger audience than that of the PS3."

JoystiqJourney dev goes fully independent, self-publishing next game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmark-capitaljenova-chenmitch-laskymultiplatformthatgamecompanyThu, 14 Jun 2012 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead tops May PSN downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/the-walking-dead-tops-may-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/the-walking-dead-tops-may-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/the-walking-dead-tops-may-psn-downloads/#comments Despite being quite the success on PSN, Journey didn't take the top spot on the PSN and PS3 download charts for May. No, that honor goes to The Walking Dead - the first episode in Telltale's newest game managed to topple last month's top dog I Am Alive, and was followed by Journey and PixelJunk Shooter (thanks to a sale) in May, respectively.

On the PS Vita side, Mortal Kombat managed to best all comers, unseating Escape Plan, which fell to third place. Taking second was Table Top Tanks, the AR tank battle game that debuted in late May.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead tops May PSN downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeypixeljunk-shooterplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonytelltaletelltale-gamesthatgamecompanythe-walking-deadvitaWed, 13 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Six years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/#comments ImageDid you know that today is thatgamecompany's sixth birthday? It's true! In those six years, the team of approximately a dozen people created Flow, Flower, and, most recently, Journey, all the while cementing their place as heads of the art games movement. The company recently completed its contract with Sony for three exclusive titles, but that doesn't mean it's resting on past successes. For instance, TGC is already in talks with publishers for whatever's next.

Alongside its success, some big names at the studio recently moved on - co-founder Kellee Santiago and executive producer Robin Hunicke both exited in the past few months, following the launch of Journey this past March. Today, TGC adds two new employees.

In light of its big sixth birthday, thatgamecompany is announcing the appointment of two new stars: former director of marketing and business development of PowerMMO Games, Sunni Pavlovic, becomes studio manager, and taking up the new position of audio director is Cloud and Flower contributor Vincent Diamante.

In a prepared statement from TGC, Diamante said, "I'm very excited to be a part of thatgamecompany, joining forces with both friends from past projects as well as new faces. The last time around, I worked with TGC mostly as a music contractor. Things this time around will be a bit different, as I'll be dealing with all sound and music issues on their upcoming game."

Diamante related his first several weeks at TGC as akin to "tight-rope walking with chainsaws," which is, like, the exact opposite of what we imagine working at TGC to be like. Isn't it all floaty stuff and soft music? Quit ruining our illusions, Diamante! You've only just started!

JoystiqSix years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudflowflowerjourneykellee-santiagorobin-hunickesunni-pavlovicthat-game-companythatgamecompanyvincent-diamanteTue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/#comments ImageUbisoft's post-apocalypse third-person-survivor I Am Alive apparently struck a chord with PlayStation 3 owners last month, topping the PlayStation Network's download charts for April 2012, even edging out March's big PSN release, Journey.

The Walking Dead's game adaptation from Telltale managed more than a shambling start as well, taking up two spots on the top 10 with the season pass and first episode in third and fifth place, respectively. Just one Vita title landed on the list, Escape Plan, in the number 10 spot. All of this information - and more! - can be found in the latest PlayStation "Pulse" video, which we've dropped just below the break.

Continue reading I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-plani-am-alivejourneyplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpulsetelltale-gamesthat-game-companythatgamecompanythe-walking-deadtop-10ubisoftvitaWed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany courting publishers, next game announced 'hopefully within this year' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/#comments Update: Chen contacted us to clarify his statements regarding Hunicke and Santiago: "Both Kellee and Robin made huge contributions to our games. My comments about their roles were made to address, particularly, the creative development process of our next game. By no means would I make those statements by themselves, otherwise it would feel like I'm downplaying my partners' roles."

Now that Journey is out and thatgamecompany has been loosed from the bonds of its three game exclusivity deal with Sony, company co-founder Jenova Chen is on the prowl for a new publishing parter. "It takes us a little bit of time to basically readjust after the three game deal," Chen said during an interview with VG247. "We're very close in figuring out what the next deal is. We're negotiating with various partners."

Obviously, thatgamecompany wouldn't need a new publisher unless it was working on a new game, but the acquisition of a new publication pal won't necessarily translate into any information about Chen's next project. "In terms of when you'll know about the next game, I think we intentionally announce our games very early. We announced Flower half a year after we launched Flow. We announced Journey half a year after we launched Flower. So hopefully within this year, you'll hear from us about our next game."

Chen also put to bed fears that the departures of producer Robin Hunicke and co-founder Kellee Santiago would hamper thatgamecompany's ability to create its next title. "I wouldn't say they have any direct impact when it comes to developing the game. Kellee is mostly working on the business end and PR for TGC, so she represents the company, but she's not a developer in terms of engineer or artist or designer on this game.

"Robin was the producer. She's more like a manager type. But we still have the lead engineer, lead designer and artists from Journey, so it doesn't really matter in terms of our ability to make games."

Joystiqthatgamecompany courting publishers, next game announced 'hopefully within this year' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenKellee-Santiagorobin-hunickethatgamecompanySat, 05 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey Without Words]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a new weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
I'm not sure I've seen anyone describe Journey as a well written game. It's praised as an earnest, emotionally stirring masterpiece, and a subtle success that nearly denigrates other games just by existing alongside them. But the topic of writing in games is often confined to scripts, spectacle and whatever is said in a cutscene, and Journey doesn't have any of that. If you completed it, you'll probably agree: There are no words.

As I wandered through an orange-hued desert, coming dangerously close to outright frolicking, I noticed a figure striding into distant view. Here I met another nameless nomad, and one that shared my appreciation of tasteful, unfettered fabrics. A friend? Another traveler compelled to reach the mysterious obelisk at the center of the world? "Would u like 2 work 2gether," he said in a text bubble. "I know how 2 get 2 the mountain and beat the game."

Continue reading Journey Without Words

JoystiqJourney Without Words originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3psnreaction-timethatgamecompanyFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Robin Hunicke leaves thatgamecompany for Tiny Speck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/robin-hunicke-leaves-thatgamecompany-for-tiny-speck/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/robin-hunicke-leaves-thatgamecompany-for-tiny-speck/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/robin-hunicke-leaves-thatgamecompany-for-tiny-speck/#comments Robin Hunicke, thatgamecompany's "Producer Extraordinaire" since 2009, has left the Journey developer to join Tiny Speck, the Canadian studio responsible for Glitch. Hunicke will be "providing leadership in game design" for Tiny Speck and Glitch specifically from Tiny Speck's San Francisco offices, according to an announcement at the Glitch Blog.

"When they told me they had an office in San Francisco, where folks were joining up to imagine new fun for Glitch... well, I must admit I swooned," Hunicke said in an update on her personal blog.

Hunicke's departure from thatgamecompany comes hot on the heels of Kellee Santiago's similar announcement earlier this morning. It was also heralded by an anonymous source speaking to Gamasutra, who warned of further "key staff departures" following in Santiago's footsteps.

JoystiqRobin Hunicke leaves thatgamecompany for Tiny Speck originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glitchjourneyKellee-Santiagomacpcrobin-hunickethatgamecompanytiny-speckThu, 29 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey is fastest-selling PSN game ever, soundtrack coming April 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/journey-is-fastest-selling-psn-game-ever-soundtrack-coming-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/journey-is-fastest-selling-psn-game-ever-soundtrack-coming-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/journey-is-fastest-selling-psn-game-ever-soundtrack-coming-apri/#comments We thought Journey was a very good game, as you may recall, and apparently we weren't the only ones looking forward to its release, as Journey is now the fastest-selling SCEA-region PSN game in all of recorded history. Previously, that honor was held by Sucker Punch's Infamous 2: Festival of Blood.

"We thank you so much for your support, for spending time and money to play our game and for spreading the word about Journey to your dear friends and family," said thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen in a post on the PlayStation Blog. "We have received more letters from fans in the two weeks since Journey's launch than we did for Flower over the past three years!"

Chen also announced that Journey's brilliant score (composed by Austin Wintory) will be available on the PS Store and iTunes come April 10, with a "limited" CD release to follow shortly after.

JoystiqJourney is fastest-selling PSN game ever, soundtrack coming April 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Austin-Wintoryfastest-sellingFlowerjenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3PSNrecord-breakingsalessoundtrackThatGameCompanyThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kellee Santiago leaves thatgamecompany, nextcompany unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/kellee-santiago-leaves-thatgamecompany-nextcompany-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/kellee-santiago-leaves-thatgamecompany-nextcompany-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/kellee-santiago-leaves-thatgamecompany-nextcompany-unknown/#comments Kellee Santiago, co-founder of thatgamecompany, left the Journey developer today. "Thanks so much for the kind words today, I feel so much love and gratitude," she Tweeted. "It's time to hit the 'Start New Journey' button!" She has yet to announce her destination.

Santiago told Gamasutra that she hopes to take what she's learned from making thatgamecompany's three PSN games, "and go forth and take it into new arenas." She said she saw her role at thatgamecompany as supporting Jenova Chen's visions for game design. "... I felt like I have done everything I needed to do there, and that he's in a great place now to go on and continue with some of the other people at Thatgamecompany, to take that to a whole new height." Gama also cites anonymous sources who warn of other "key staff departures."

A thatgamecompany representative told Joystiq, "Obviously, Kellee has been a huge part of thatgamecompany over the past six years. Even though it's sad to see her leave, we are very excited to see what she does in the future."

JoystiqKellee Santiago leaves thatgamecompany, nextcompany unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyKellee-Santiagoplaystationps3psnThatGameCompanyThu, 29 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey developer diary reaches for new heights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/journey-developer-diary-reaches-for-new-heights/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/journey-developer-diary-reaches-for-new-heights/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/journey-developer-diary-reaches-for-new-heights/#comments
Beneath all that beautiful sand and those wide-open skies, Journey is a metaphor for birth.

JoystiqJourney developer diary reaches for new heights originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3psnthatgamecompanyTue, 13 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany goes behind the Journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/thatgamecompany-goes-behind-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/thatgamecompany-goes-behind-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/thatgamecompany-goes-behind-the-journey/#comments
You've heard what we think of Journey. How about the people who made it? In this developer video, the team at thatgamecompany discusses their philosophy of game development, their goals, and what motivates them to keep a small team.

Joystiqthatgamecompany goes behind the Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3psnThatGameCompanyFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey travels to PS Plus members one week early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/journey-travels-to-ps-plus-members-one-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/journey-travels-to-ps-plus-members-one-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/journey-travels-to-ps-plus-members-one-week-early/#comments Reviews for Journey are already sprinkling the vast wasteland of the web, but the full game doesn't officially launch until March 13, giving the hype plenty of time to blow away like sand in the wind. Sony is looking to fix that by launching Journey one week early for PS Plus members, at the standard $15 price point.

Journey will be available next week for PS Plus members, along with a bonus dynamic theme. The bonus theme is also available to PS Normal users by pre-ordering Journey from the PlayStation Store.

JoystiqJourney travels to PS Plus members one week early originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earlyjourneyplaystationplaystation-plusps-plusps3SONYThatGameCompanyFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey review: I want to go to there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/journey-review-i-want-to-go-to-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/journey-review-i-want-to-go-to-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/journey-review-i-want-to-go-to-there/#comments The word "awesome" gets thrown around a lot, but I think we as a culture have lost track of its real meaning. Originally, the word meant "awe inspiring," and Dictionary.com defines "awe" as "an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like." Nowadays, "awesome" functions as a synonym for "cool" or "impressive:" When someone says a game is awesome, they're really saying that it's great, and generally are not implying any existential or emotional significance beyond that.

I bring this up, because I don't want to be misconstrued as generic or uninspired when I say that Journey is an awesome game. In the most classical, archaic sense of the word, Journey is a beautiful, evocative and unequivocally transcendental experience.

Gallery: Journey (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Journey review: I want to go to there

JoystiqJourney review: I want to go to there originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3PSNreviewThatGameCompanyThu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jenova Chen: thatgamecompany aiming 'beyond just PlayStation']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-aiming-beyond-just-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-aiming-beyond-just-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/jenova-chen-thatgamecompany-aiming-beyond-just-playstation/#comments Indie studio thatgamecompany will conclude its three-game deal with Sony with the launch of Journey on March 13. Will the group still focus on Sony's hardware or possibly try their hands at PS Vita next? Somebody get Chuck Testa in here so he can respond aptly.

Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany co-founder and creative director, told Push Square that the plan is to expand the studio's audience beyond Sony's realm. "Right now we are very much exploring ways to bring our games to a bigger audience, beyond just PlayStation. We are still in the process of negotiating, but I hope that we can announce it [soon]."

By the sound of it, thatgamecompany already has its next project lined up. We've been through the ocean, the garden and the desert -- so where to next?

JoystiqJenova Chen: thatgamecompany aiming 'beyond just PlayStation' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenjourneymulti-platformplaystationps3pspsonythatgamecompanyMon, 27 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Us and the Game Industry' is the next documentary about indies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/us-and-the-game-industry-is-the-next-documentary-about-indies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/us-and-the-game-industry-is-the-next-documentary-about-indies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/us-and-the-game-industry-is-the-next-documentary-about-indies/#comments
Whereas Indie Game: The Movie aimed to explore the lives of the people behind some of indie gaming's biggest titles, an upcoming documentary on the indie gaming scene entitled "Us and the Game Industry" seeks to capture already established success cases in that world. Cases like Jason Rohrer (Inside a Star-filled Sky, Sleep is Death) and Jenova Chen (Flower, Journey) both show up in the premiere trailer, seen above.

"'Us and the Game Industry' is a film about the new thinkers at the new frontier of experimental computer game development," the film's Vimeo page reads. "This film explores how their motivation, design process, focus and execution are creating unique and new possibilities of connecting people and providing the possibility for uncharted experiences outside the normal realm of commercial games."

So -- yes -- it's almost assured you'll hear several indie devs wax philosophical on the process of game design when the film eventually arrives (no launch date is given, and the film's official site has yet to go live). And frankly, after the emotion fest that is Indie Game: The Movie, we're looking forward to some cold, hard pretention.

Joystiq'Us and the Game Industry' is the next documentary about indies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jason-rohrerjenova-chentgcthat-game-companythatgamecompanyus-and-the-game-industryFri, 17 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey dev's next project to take online play one step further]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-devs-next-project-to-take-online-play-one-step-further/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-devs-next-project-to-take-online-play-one-step-further/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-devs-next-project-to-take-online-play-one-step-further/#comments When is thatgamecompany's Journey coming out? March 13, as it turns out. But what's next, you ask? Man, you're so impatient! Anyway, it sounds like the next project from TGC is just as online focused (or more so) than Journey, as a job listing for the indie studio's next game reveals. "With our last game, Journey, we began incorporating online interactions into our projects, and we'd like to take it a step further on our next game," the listing reads.

"While we're pretty experienced making games, we've never built a full scale online service available to hundreds of thousands of users. We're looking for someone to help us plan and build our online infrastructure in a way that scales," it continues, demanding direct experience "building a scalable online service." More ambiguously, the listing also requires applicants have a "desire to see the medium of games mature and increase in relevancy for people around the world." That sounds more like TGC to us!

Also of note, applicants are "more likely to enjoy this job" should they have a "desire to create something not just for core gamers but everyone you respect in your life." So, uh, if you don't respect anyone in your life, probably not an ideal job for you.

JoystiqJourney dev's next project to take online play one step further originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>job-listingjourneytgcthat-game-companythatgamecompanyThu, 16 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey ventures to PSN on March 13 for $15 [update: March 14 for EU]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/journey-release-date/#comments
Journey's developers at thatgamecompany refuse to dilly dally when it comes to seasonally tied launch windows, announcing this morning that Journey will arrive on March 13 for $15, effectively kicking off the spring season.

According to a PlayStation Blog post revealing the launch date and pricing, no bonuses are currently being offered for PS Plus members regarding the title, but, uh, you can also totally play the game on March 13 as well, unless you choose to hold out for a special offer, of course.

The release date announcement is just the beginning of a weeks-long trailer campaign leading up to thelaunch, so keep an eye out for more looks into the game in the near future. Should you need a fix right now, we've dropped a trailer above for you. You're so needy!

Update: The EU PlayStation Blog says that the game will arrive on March 14 in Europe.

JoystiqJourney ventures to PSN on March 13 for $15 [update: March 14 for EU] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyplaystationps3q1-2012release-datesceascea-santa-monicasony-computer-entertainmenttgcthat-game-companythatgamecompanyThu, 16 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST