Joystiq

thatinterview with thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen

Jordan Mallory — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST

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

thatinterview 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.

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Journey: Collector's Edition won't make the trip to Europe

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST

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.

Journey: 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.

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

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST

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

'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.

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Journey, Flower and Flow PS3 bundle listed for late summer

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST

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

Journey, 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.

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Six years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST

Did 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!

Six 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.

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Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices

Jordan Mallory — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.

We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.

Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago on Vita, and her ongoing argument with Roger Ebert

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST

With Flow and Flower, Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen's 12-person dev studio, thatgamecompany, completed two thirds of its three-game contract with Sony. And when Journey arrives some time in 2012, that three-game contract will come to an end, leaving Santiago and co. to an unknown future in the game industry. At a recent Sony press event in New York City, Santiago wouldn't say what the future holds for TGC ("Right now we're really focused on finishing Journey," she told me), but she did speak to her own interest in the PlayStation Vita.

"I could definitely see all of thatgamecompany's titles on the Vita," Santiago said. "But, as you said, we're a team of 12, so for us in each title we just try to focus on the specific platform we're distributing on, and then leave the future to the future." The studio's first game, Flow, ended up on Sony's last handheld system, so the idea of Flower and Journey ending up on the Vita isn't exactly a far-fetched one.

Given Santiago's apprehension at speaking about TGC after Journey, I instead prodded her about her interactions with famous (infamous?) film critic Roger Ebert. Had anything transpired since her last note? Santiago laughed before telling me, "He seems to have conceded that while he has his opinion, he can't really have it 'cause he doesn't play games anyway." In her last response, Santiago even offered to send Ebert a PlayStation 3 with Flower.

"We did send him a PlayStation 3 with Flower," she said. But has he played it? "At least of the last writing on it, he has not played it." Maybe she should've sent an employee to play the game for him as well?

[Image credit: TED Blog]

thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago on Vita, and her ongoing argument with Roger Ebert originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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thatgamecompany's flOw recreated in StarCraft 2

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It's been a while since we've seen a really unique application of the dark magic-fueled creation tools behind StarCraft 2, so we're glad the video posted below could come along and decisively end our dry spell. Behold: Origins, a recreation of thatgamecompany's microcosmic PSN title, flOw.

Continue reading thatgamecompany's flOw recreated in StarCraft 2

thatgamecompany's flOw recreated in StarCraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC 2010: From student game to success

Richard Mitchell — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Believe it or not, many of the best games start out as student development projects. The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, flOw and even Portal all began life as student projects. Speaking at a GDC panel, the developers of the games listed above gave their advice on how budding student game designers can see their own projects become a success. The panel included Kim Swift, designer of Portal and currently of Airtight Games, Matt Korba and Paul Bellezza of The Odd Gentlemen (P.B. Winterbottom), and Kellee Santiago of thatgamecompany (flOw).

The advice was wide-ranging, though all the panelists agreed that the best way to get a game noticed is to submit it to as many competitions and festivals as possible. Swift specifically noted that it's a good idea to literally drag people to come and play your game at festivals and shows like GDC. The game itself should "grab" players as well, with Korba saying that a festival showing of a game should be get players involved within five minutes.

Continue reading GDC 2010: From student game to success

GDC 2010: From student game to success originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Download flOw for free until midnight EST

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Listen, we know how hard Valentine's Day can be on some of you jilted lovers out there, so we went ahead and got you a little something to keep you occupied tomorrow: A copy of ThatGameCompany's microbiotic PS3 title, flOw. You can download it right now from the PSN for free, without having to deal with any cumbersome coupon codes. Our generosity only extends so far, however -- the free download will stop being offered at midnight EST tonight. Hurry up and grab it -- and don't say we never gave you nothin'!

(Fine, we're not the party responsible for the game's free-ness. We suppose you can say we never gave you nothin' to your heart's content.)

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

PSA: Download flOw for free until midnight EST originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European gamers finally get flOw trophy update

Xav de Matos — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST

While North American gamers have had the update for quite some time now, thatgamecompany has announced that European flOw fans are finally getting Trophy support for the moody, aquatic microorganism simulator. According to the dev's official blog, the Trophy update is now available to European and UK players. If you're looking for a leg-up on the additions, make sure to check Joystiq's own flOw Trophy list.

European gamers finally get flOw trophy update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trophies: flOw

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST

	0 Platinum 1 Gold 3 Silver 10 Bronze	Difficulty: Easy Online Trophies? No Time to Completion: 5 hours DLC Trophies? No
	View Trophy List	Read More About the Game

Continue reading Trophies: flOw

Trophies: flOw originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original soundtrack to flOw coming soon

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

thatgamecompany's first PSN game, flOw, captivated players looking for a relaxing game experience. The soothing visuals and unique motion controls are certainly vital components of creating the feel of flOw, but the music is certainly driving force behind the game's soothing presentation. A recent PlayStation.Blog post has an interesting orchestral rearrangement of flOw's soundtrack, which you can watch after the break. Replacing the electronic sound of the original game with live instruments creates a totally different feel. After watching the performance, we wouldn't mind playing the game with a full choir cheering us on.

Those inspired by the performance will be saddened to know that this orchestral rendition will not be available for download "for various contractual reasons," according to Austin Wintory, the composer of flOw's score. Wintory does appease fans, however, letting them know that "an original soundtrack is in the works featuring the actual music from the game." Hopefully, the flOw soundtrack follows the steps of the PixelJunk series, releasing on PlayStation Network sans DRM.

Continue reading Original soundtrack to flOw coming soon

Original soundtrack to flOw coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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thatgamecompany's third Sony project is 'something you've never experienced before'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST

thatgamecompany, aside from giving us a chance to start this paragraph off with a lowercase letter for once, is currently hard at work on its third contractual Sony project. At the Develop Conference in the UK this morning, tgc's Jenova Chen had a handful of artfully abstract information to drop on conference attendees regarding the upcoming game. He said the project "feels like a natural progression" from the company's other titles and will be "something you've never experienced before." So, Flowest confirmed? Not quite.

"In the future there's a lot of feelings that video games haven't explored that are open for us to find," Chen said -- he specifically cited God of War as "a really good game about hatred." As Eurogamer points out in its coverage of the conference, Chen repeatedly cited the iteration time necessary for a game concept to go into full production -- he says that the concept for Flower took about two years -- and as such, may very well not have any solid information to talk about regarding his company's next game. Have you considered the fourth dimension, Mr. Chen? Hmm?

[Image]

thatgamecompany's third Sony project is 'something you've never experienced before' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Creator of flOw decries flOw-esque Aquatica iPhone game

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

You might be confused as to why we just posted a YouTube clip from the 2007 PSN hit flOw at the top of this very story. See, friends, that's not actually flOw -- it's an iPhone game from developer Ketara Software, titled Aquatica: The Underwater Adventure, and it's the biggest ripoff we've seen since the harrowing 2007 adventure title (and Game of the Year contender) Limbo of the Lost.

Thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen, who released the code for the Flash version of flOw shortly after its release, responded to the app by tweeting, "I released flOw source for people to learn. I didn't expect to see it on iphone without quoting the creator." In the comments on the YouTube clip above, Ketara responded to Chen's claims by explaining, "actually, all the source code is completely, 100% written from scratch," informing him that, "in general, most games within each class are practically the same, just different graphics." (Psst -- your graphics aren't different, Ketara!)

As more and more commenters harangued the small developer for apparently copying the PSN title, Ketara began damage control -- first by apologizing to Chen and the gaming community, by adding attribution to the video and app description, then ultimately by pulling the game off the App Store altogether. Ketara promises that "nothing like this" will happen again, so we probably won't be seeing Petals: The Flying Floral Adventure any time soon.

Creator of flOw decries flOw-esque Aquatica iPhone game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boom Blox producer leaves EA, joins thatgamecompany

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:15:00 EST

thatgamecompany, the studio behind flOw and Flower, has managed to sweep away former EA developer Robin Hunicke. Hunicke worked as the lead designer behind MySims, and produced the two Wii Boom Blox titles. In a statement to Kotaku, Hunicke explains that she wants "to reach new people, with new experiences, via the medium of games and the language of game design" in her new position. With both flOw and Flower completed, Hunicke says thatgamecompany is "at the forefront of the indie movement."

It's currently unknown what position Hunicke will serve at thatgamecompany or what project she will be working on. The team is still contractually obligated to develop at least one more game for PlayStation Network.

Boom Blox producer leaves EA, joins thatgamecompany originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You gotta believe Masaya Matsuura and Jenova Chen will speak at Develop Conference

JC Fletcher — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:45:00 EST

Develop has just announced the addition of two speakers to the Develop Conference's 2009 lineup, both respected game designers whose works tend to be more than a little unconventional.

Parappa the Rapper creator Masaya Matsuura, whose last game was the Wii marching adventure Major Minor's Majestic March, will present "It's Time for Music Games 2.0," in which the developer will "map out unexplored gaming possibilities and reinvent our understanding of the genre." thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen will present a retrospective about flOw and Flower, and "explore the relationship between games, entertainment and art."

The Develop Conference will be held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton from July 14th through July 16th. If you're flying there and the pilot looks like this guy, get off and wait for the next plane.

You gotta believe Masaya Matsuura and Jenova Chen will speak at Develop Conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puzzle & Power Packs: PSN-only games on UMD this Oct.

Christopher Grant — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP

Despite a higher percentage of broadband penetration in Europe, and the introduction of a PC-based PlayStation Store for the PS3-less, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has still opted to wrangle up the bits of some of the PSP's download-only titles for UMD distribution in themed "packs".

The first two packs (there are "more Collection Packs to be released throughout 2009") are the Puzzle Pack - cramming the mischievous Lemmings with the excitable Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle - and the Power Pack - an odd grouping of Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, the more contemplative stylings of flOw, and the rhythm-happy Beats. The Puzzle Pack is slated for a European debut in "mid" October while the Power Pack will come along right behind it, in "late" October. We've asked the fine folks at SCEA to comment on a North American release so, until then, let's just assume this is Europe-only.

Puzzle & Power Packs: PSN-only games on UMD this Oct. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Europe preps UMD collection of downloadable games

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Many hardcore PSP fans love being able to launch games off the Memory Stick, instead of UMD. Not only does it mean we can carry multiple games on our system, without having to carry around an extra pouch for games, but games stored on Memory Stick typically load faster as well. In spite of that, many casual users of PSP may not know about the PLAYSTATION Store. Sony Europe's solution? To bring downloadable games out on UMD.

The PLAYSTATION(R)Network Collection - Power pack will arrive in Europe next month, and it will house three very different downloadable games: beats, a music game which lets you use your own MP3 collection, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, a third-person multiplayer shooter based on the Syphon Filter universe, and flOw, a relaxing adventure where players grow and evolve creatures.

The PLAYSTATION(R)Network Collection - Puzzle pack will feature three other download games: Lemmings, Go! Sudoku! and Go! Puzzle. This collection will also be available next month.

[Via Siliconera]

Sony Europe preps UMD collection of downloadable games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Week in Review: A Smashing Start

Ross Miller — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

Welcome to This Week in Review (formerly This Week in DLC), where we round up all the hands-on impressions and game reviews (including Metareviews) from the Joystiq Network. This week's megaton title should come as no surprise whatsoever.

Nintendo Wii

Continue reading This Week in Review: A Smashing Start

This Week in Review: A Smashing Start originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American PSN updates for March 6th

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Ape Escape, Store, flOw

As promised, flOw headlines this week's update. Check out our review, and then point your internet browser to store.playstation.com on your PC to start downloading this great content.

PSP Software:

flOw ($7.99)
Ape Escape: On the Loose ($14.99)

Game Videos:

God of War: Chains of Olympus
Ape Escape: On the Loose

Wallpapers:

Warriors Orochi

Enjoy!

American PSN updates for March 6th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Fanboy review: flOw

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, flOw

The best-selling PSN title will be available on the PSP tomorrow. This experimental title received a lot of attention when it sailed to the PS3 due to its unique style and premise. Less of a "game" and more of an "experience," players titled their SIXAXIS controllers to guide an ever-growing creature through a series of primordial stages. Players would consume other creatures along the way, expanding in size and capability.

flOw is a rather accurate recreation of the PS3 title -- an impressive feat, considering the reduced processing capabilities of the handheld. Just like the PSN original, flOw will look and feel unlike anything else on the system. However, those that have played the original will find little reason to revisit the title, and many may find the technical shortcomings of this SuperVillian-developed effort to be an ebb to an otherwise engrossing experience.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy review: flOw

PSP Fanboy review: flOw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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flOw out this month in PAL territories; Ape Quest in April

Jem Alexander — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Store

According to a press release sent to New Zealand based site GeekPulp, PAL territories will be able to get their hands on flOw during the same month their American cousins will. The game is due out sometime this month for both territories and for more information you should check out our PSP hands-on. Another game hitting the PC Store is the monkeylicious Ape Quest, which Americans have had their hands on for a little while now. The Ape Escape spin-off RPG will be available in PAL territories sometime in April. Check out our review for more information.

[Via N4G]

flOw out this month in PAL territories; Ape Quest in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC08: The top PSN downloads since launch

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, GDC

Congratulations to flOw for standing atop of Sony's list of best selling PSN purchases since the Store's debut over a year ago. It's great to see stellar games, like Everyday Shooter and Super Stardust HD, earn the sales recognition they deserve. But, why such high sales of Mortal Kombat II? Guess nostalgia (and bargain price) help loosen the wallet of potential buyers.

For the list of top downloaded demos from the PSN (and European figures), check out PS3 Fanboy.

GDC08: The top PSN downloads since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Fanboy hands-on: flOw

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Previews, flOw

Within the PlayStation Lounge at GDC, we were able to try out the upcoming PSP version of flOw. The game starts with an interesting attempt to connect to the Network. Interestingly, this is done outside of the usual PSP Network interface. We can only hypothesize that the PSP is looking for other systems to play with, if any happen to be nearby. Unfortunately, no one was able to comment.

From the very get-go, one will see the seriously toned-down graphics. The screenshots initially released don't accurately convey how poorly the transition to PSP has affected the visual presentation. Pixelation is very present, and in spite of the small screen of the PSP, nothing looks very sharp. The framerate didn't seem silky smooth like the PS3 original, either. It doesn't look bad per se, but we were rather disappointed.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: flOw

PSP Fanboy hands-on: flOw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC08: Hands-on with PSP's flOw

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP, GDC

The good news is that nothing has been lost in flOw's translation to the PlayStation Portable. The bad news, however, is that something has been gained. Though the aesthetics and soothing audio of the PlayStation 3 version have been mostly preserved, SuperVillain Studios' pint-sized port has been "gifted" with with far more precise control, courtesy of the system's analog nub.

Unfortunately, what would normally be considered to be an improvement introduces a mechanical, almost rigid feel to the relaxed and fluid movements in flOw. It's a bizarre complaint -- oh no, the control is more responsive! -- but in the dreamy context of flOw, an increase in precision isn't necessarily in the game's best interests. We should have considered throwing some quotation marks around the word "game" (just like that), as its serene atmosphere and aimless immersion still manages to evade such precise definition, even on a smaller screen.

Continue reading GDC08: Hands-on with PSP's flOw

GDC08: Hands-on with PSP's flOw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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flOw with these new screenshots

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: flOw

PSP owners are in for a treat when flOw comes out in March. This PSP port of the PS3 downloadable title will feature all of the content of the original game (sorry, the expansion pack isn't included). It looks like visually, the PSP version will match the fidelity of the console original. flOw is perfect for on-the-go gaming, and will certainly be a interesting and relaxing addition to our commutes. Check out the new screens in our updated gallery.

flOw with these new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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flOw bringS anNoying cApitalization to psP (on March 6)

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Posting on the official PlayStation blog, SuperVillain Studios has announced that serene swim sim flOw is expected to surface on the PlayStation Portable early next month. The comparatively puny version will include all of the content from the PlayStation 3 game (with the exception of its expansion pack) while eschewing SIXAXIS motion control for analog nub rubbin'.

It's unknown how much you'll have to splash out when the downloadable title washes onto the PC's PlayStation Store, but we'll be sure to put up a fuss if we think we're getting pond* by the price.

*We are so very sorry.

flOw bringS anNoying cApitalization to psP (on March 6) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First trailer of flOw on PSP

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Video, flOw

It was a huge hit on PS3. Will it be able to recreate the same success on PSP? This downloadable PSN title has you playing as an ever-growing, ever-evolving creature in a dog-eat-dog world. Equally relaxing and competitive, flOw challenges the everyday look and feel of a game. Will the lack of SIXAXIS tilt controls make it less engrossing, or will it give PSP owners the precision they want? We're impressed by the visual fidelity of this PSP version -- it looks just as good as the PS3 one. We can't wait to find out more.

First trailer of flOw on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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flOw swims to PSP

Scott Jon Siegel — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Portable, Sony PSP, Casual, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Thatgamecompany's flOw is finally floating from the PS3 over to the Playstation Portable, CVG reports. The PSN title (which started out as a graduate thesis) will soon be available for purchase and download from the PC-based Playstation Store, where it can be beamed to the PSP for on-the-go underwater trippy creature-eating... stuff.

According to CVG, the PSP version will likely remain largely unchanged from the PS3 original. Though no release date was given, CVG speculates that flOw may appear alongside today's scheduled PSN update. We can't confirm, but that would be neat.

flOw swims to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How's about some portable flOw?

Nick Doerr — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, flOw

It seems Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have leaked out a bit of information regarding a PSP port of thatgamecompany's title, flOw. The game received warm reviews when it was released on the PlayStation Network last year and plays sort of like a nap -- trust us, that's a good thing. It's very relaxing. The game will pop up as downloadable through the PlayStation Store sometime soon during the regular Thursday update.

[via Gamasutra]

How's about some portable flOw? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN games Everyday Shooter, flOw (and more) on sale for $5

Christopher Grant — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

Sony's latest PS3 promotion asks, "When was the last time $4.99 brought you hours of entertainment?" We don't have the heart to remind them that bunches of XBLA games - like Space Giraffe - are only $5. Also, that coloring book we bought last week for less than $5 has brought us dozens of hours of entertainment ...

Regardless, here's the deets of their promotion: four of the highest-profile (and, as luck would have it, best) PSN downloadable titles are being offered for the low, low price of $5. Did you miss the normally $10 Calling all Cars' discounted $5 price last month? Well, the gods at Sony have granted you a second chance. How about indie-darlings Everyday Shooter (normally $10) and flOw (normally $8)? Pick 'em up for, you guessed it, $5 each. Last on the list is PixelJunk Racers (normally $7), which will also be available for $5.

You've got until November 29th to catch 'em all and add them to your collection of Black Friday steals.

PSN games Everyday Shooter, flOw (and more) on sale for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhawk, fl0w expanding in December

Scott Jon Siegel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action, Casual, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Expansions are coming for popular Playstation Network titles fl0w and Warhawk, according to Game Informer magazine. Firing Squad reports that a recent issue of the magazine reveals expansions in development for both downloadable titles, with planned releases in December.

The Warhawk expansion will introduce a dropship into the game, which can pick up and relocate ground vehicles. The fl0w expansion, meanwhile, will add a multiplayer mode to the abstract game, as well as a new playable creature. While expansions for Warhawk are a no-brainer, it remains to be seen how typical downloadable content will fit in with the incredibly atypical fl0w.

Warhawk, fl0w expanding in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TGS07: flOw expansion pack brings new creatures

Nick Doerr — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: PlayStation Network, News

A lot of people complained about the lack of critters in the ambient world of flOw. We don't really know why -- it's sort of a calming experience no matter what little amoeba-like creature you decide to evolve. Well, an expansion pack for the game is on its way and you can expect a new playable creature, a new enemy, and new types of food. The new creature is another of that circle-type creature you could play as before and the enemy is another variation on the spiky-puffer fish thing. Don't get too close!

Another addition in the expansion is the funky ability to play as two different creatures in multiplayer. Now you don't have to argue about which small tapeworm thing is you. Nobody knows when this expansion pack is getting released, but it seems the most important addition is the ability to choose different characters in multiplayer.

TGS07: flOw expansion pack brings new creatures originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Rub-a-Dub outsells Calling all Cars! in Europe

Colin Torretta — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Business, News

During Sony's press conference at the Leipzig Game Convention, the boss of Sony Europe David Reeve detailed sales numbers on a handful of key PSN titles. Leading the pack was Tekken 5 with 103k sold, followed up by flOw with 47k sold. The really interesting thing though is that Super Rub-a-dub outsold Calling all Cars!, 34k to 31k. It's pretty bad when David Jaffe's baby can't even outsell one of the worst reviewed titles on the PSN.

We contacted David Karraker from SCEA who clarified that these numbers were just for Europe, which makes some sense since Calling all Cars! hasn't been out over there as long as it's been out in America. Still, it's got to be a disappointment for Jaffe that even after all the publicity, attention and (generally) good reviews for Calling all Cars!, it still gets beaten by an over-grown tech demo. Oh well there's always next time!

Super Rub-a-Dub outsells Calling all Cars! in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catching up with Thatgamecompany

Ross Miller — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:43:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, E3

FlOw has come a long way since being part of a master's thesis for then-University of Southern California student Jenova Chen. Now the title is the number one download on the PlayStation Network. We had the chance to speak with Chen and fellow Thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago about what's been going since we last heard from them at the Game Developers Conference.

The developer is still very positive about their decision to sign a 3-game deal with Sony and say they have been very good to them, according to Santiago. They are still working inside the Sony offices. When we mentioned the success of flOw, Chen remarked that they see it more as a challenge.

Though they can't reveal any information on the upcoming project, Chen considered it ambitious, with no previous reference material. He used an illustration metaphor, that they can always illustrate known game mechanics, "but now we're trying to sketch it ourself," he said. We thought flOw was a pretty ambitious title, so it'll be interesting to see what they really consider far out of the norm. According to the duo, information concerning their next title is hopefully going to be released this fall.

Catching up with Thatgamecompany originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indies and consoles: an imperfect system

Ross Miller — Thu, 31 May 2007 22:56:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Online, Business

According to Gamasutra's Simon Carless, the independent scene is facing an uphill battle when developing for consoles, specifically in the realm of digital distribution. Carless argues that the difficulty in bringing a title across all platforms, both for technological and business reasons.

Other than some retro titles (e.g. Joust), a very small number of downloadable title are appearing on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Capcom's Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is one of the few exceptions, and Capcom's Christian Svensson said it required "considerable coordination" to get the titles on both consoles, which indicates to us that less established independent houses would have insurmountable difficulty.

Carless notes that Sony's collection, retro games aside, are predominantly first party (though we should note that flOw went to Sony because they actively sought out the independent title). Nintendo has always talked about bringing original games to the Wii, and there have been murmurings of a Game Channel, but so far all the only tangible indication of a non-Virtual Console title is Impossible Mission.

Carless' analogy to the film industry (three separate formats for theatre chains), though admittedly ham-fisted, does not account for industry history. It may be unfair to the independent developer, but there hasn't been a time when gaming was controlled by a single format. Sure, development teams are now much larger and require a bigger budget, but that hasn't stopped smaller teams from succeeding with Geometry Wars, Ragdoll Kung-Fu, and Alien Hominid (pictured). The state of indie games isn't ideal, but it seems to be getting better. We say keep on fighting, Simon.

Indies and consoles: an imperfect system originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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North American PLAYSTATION Store releases for the week

Colin Torretta — Fri, 18 May 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: New Releases, PlayStation Store, PlayStation Network

Sony continues to release a steady flow of Midway arcade classics over the PLAYSTATION Store. As we mentioned yesterday, this week's new downloadable title is Rampage: World Tour. Unfortunately, that's about it for this week. The only other thing is a video of the next Midway arcade release, Joust. Joy. Sony has also temporarily lowered the price on flOw. For a limited time, you can download one of the best PSN titles out there for only $4.99 (normally $7.99).

Not much this time around, it's really a shame Sony didn't load up a bunch of the HD trailers from Gamer's Day. I'd LOVE to see the Uncharted trailer on my big screen.

North American PLAYSTATION Store releases for the week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European and Japanese PlayStation Network releases for Friday May 11th

Jem Alexander — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: PlayStation Store, PlayStation Network

I'm going to keep this post fairly short. The less said about the following, the better. Here's what we Europeans will see grace our PlayStation Stores today.

Warhawk trailer (free)
Rocky Blu-ray trailer (free)

Impressed? No, neither am I. Hopefully we'll see something a little more substantial next Friday. Funny, I remember thinking the same thing this time last week. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Japanese store has been updated to finally include flOw. No bullet list needed. That's all they got.

I guess comparing this to yesterday's American PSN update will just make us feel bad, though it's getting increasingly difficult not to.

European and Japanese PlayStation Network releases for Friday May 11th originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Network garners 1.3 million users

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Online, Business

A Gamespot report reveals the first usage statistics for the PlayStation 3's online network, the astonishingly named PlayStation Network. According to Sony, over 1.3 million users have signed on to the free service, 600,000 of them being based in the United States. All together, users have downloaded 3.7 million pieces of content.

"Users have downloaded 3.7 million pieces of content!"

Thank you. It's not explicitly mentioned how many of said pieces are PSN games, but individual sales data for Blast Factor, fl0w and others may be released at a later stage. Comparing overall statistics to those of Xbox Live shows Microsoft's service in the lead with six million users (an unknown percentage of those paying for a Gold subscription), but it's to be expected given the PS3's comparatively recent launch. With some strong online titles and more free services, the PSN stands every chance of overcoming its growing pains and becoming more competitive. Of course, consumers would stand to benefit most if things stayed neck-and-neck. After all, Xbox Live's no good to us dead.

PlayStation Network garners 1.3 million users originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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