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[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 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[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['Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/#comments 'Critical Path' trailer appears, loaded with industry talentA trailer for Critical Path, a "transmedia project exploring the art, philosophy, politics and psychology of video games" recently surfaced. The trailer, created by a Los Angeles-based studio named Artifact, shows dozens of game designers talking about their craft and the place games take in the history of expressive media. The project aims to "give game designers their due as innovators and influencers of culture."

Critical Path is described as the culmination of "two years of filming and archiving" interviews, according to Artifact's site. "User feedback will influence future interviews, which will be added to the archive on an ongoing basis."

Among the 37 names listed at the end of the trailer are Warren Spector, Jenova Chen, John Carmack, David Cage, Cliff Bleszinski, Ken Levine, Peter Molyneux, Tim Schafer and Hideo Kojima. You can watch the trailer here.

Joystiq'Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactartifact-studioscliff-bleszinskicritical-pathdavid-cagehideo-kojimajenova-chenJohn-CarmackKen-LevinePeter-MolyneuxTim-Schafertrailerwarren-spectorSun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 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[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[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[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[thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen tours the world of Journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/thatgamecompanys-jenova-chen-tours-the-world-of-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/thatgamecompanys-jenova-chen-tours-the-world-of-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/thatgamecompanys-jenova-chen-tours-the-world-of-journey/#comments We'll admit it: we're kinda, sorta seriously smitten with thatgamecompany's third game, Journey. As if the two previews we've run didn't already tell you that! Anyway, this recent interview with GTTV is interesting, sure, but look at all that gameplay footage! Beautiful! Check it out after the break.

Continue reading thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen tours the world of Journey

Joystiqthatgamecompany's Jenova Chen tours the world of Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opgameplayjenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3sony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-americathat-game-companythatgamecompanyFri, 03 Jun 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey preview: Souls searching]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/journey-psn-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/journey-psn-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/journey-psn-preview/#comments I laughed when I first saw the scarf worn by Journey's main character. I couldn't help it -- the flair it adds to the enigmatic avatar renders the figure distinctly more charming than spooky. The scarf serves a more functional purpose, too: It's a gameplay meter, measuring your character's ability to fly. The scarf depletes as you fly; fill it back up -- and even lengthen it -- by completing puzzles and discovering secrets, among other things. There's actually a variety of scarves to be collected and equipped throughout the gameworld.

Scarves, however, are not the focus on thatgamecompany's third PSN-exclusive, Journey. The focus, creative lead Jenova Chen told me at a recent press event, is to enable unique online experiences. "Everyone's on a journey towards a goal, and everybody travels through a similar landscape," he said of the game. "And at some point, their paths cross each other, and then they could be playing together."

Gallery: Journey (12/10/10)

Continue reading Journey preview: Souls searching

JoystiqJourney preview: Souls searching originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opjenova-chenjourneykellee-santiagomultiplayerplaystationps3psnrobin-hunickethatgamecompanyFri, 17 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey's latest trailer keeps us believing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/journeys-latest-trailer-keeps-us-believing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/journeys-latest-trailer-keeps-us-believing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/journeys-latest-trailer-keeps-us-believing/#comments Journey isn't a game about transforming a landscape with the power of wind, or experiencing aquatic evolution, but about guiding your cloaked, scarf-wearing avatar through a world -- either alone or with another, unknown person -- and forever pushing towards the mountain in the distance. The game's latest trailer encapsulates a lonely tone and showcases Journey's gorgeous environments.

thatgamecompany president Kellee Santiago characterized the PSN-exclusive Journey as "a social experiment" in a recent interview with GTTV (much like her studio's previous two games have been), while creative lead Jenova Chen says he's hoping to evoke the feeling of awe and wonder that people experience while on a hike. Neither explains what the deal is with the scarves, though.

Gallery: Journey (12/10/10)

Continue reading Journey's latest trailer keeps us believing

JoystiqJourney's latest trailer keeps us believing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayjenova-chenjourneykellee-santiagoplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnthatgamecompanyFri, 10 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[VGA 2009: Flower developers amidst the explosions and hype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/vga-2009-flower-developers-amidst-the-explosions-and-hype/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/vga-2009-flower-developers-amidst-the-explosions-and-hype/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/vga-2009-flower-developers-amidst-the-explosions-and-hype/#comments This past Saturday brought us the Spike TV Video Game Awards and - before experiencing the litany of world exclusives that awaited us inside - we spent some time outside cruising the red carpet and talking (briefly!) to many of the game developers and talent. We squeezed them for information as fast as we could while simultaneously wishing them holiday cheer and good tidings. Yes, it was as awkward as it sounds. Here's what we learned from Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen from thatgamecompany about Flower.

Spike TV and the VGAs are all about naked women, shooters, and explosions. What's it like for Flower to be here?

Kellee Santiago: It's a very surreal experience. I think it shows that what are sort of seen as "artsy" games aren't niche, they appeal at the most commercial mass level, and that's very exciting for us.

Jenova Chen: We had Flower exhibit at the MOCA in Shanghai as an interactive art piece. It's quite interesting to see a video game stand next to these art installations. Being at these awards will hpefully give us even more exposure. The PlayStation Network had a sale during Thanksgiving, and a lot of people picked up Flower who had never heard of it before. Then we started to get a lot of emails thanking us for making the game. We know there are more people who haven't seen the game, and it would be great if they know what video games could be.

What's next? Could there be a sequel to Flower?

We're working on a third title for PlayStation Network right now, you'll see more soon. Hopefully you'll see something next year, but we don't know yet when it will come out.

JoystiqVGA 2009: Flower developers amidst the explosions and hype originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFlowerinterviewJenova-ChenKellee-SantiagoPSNred-carpetSCEASonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaSpike-VGA-2009ThatGameCompanyWed, 16 Dec 2009 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany's third Sony project is 'something you've never experienced before']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/thatgamecompanys-third-sony-project-is-something-youve-never/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/thatgamecompanys-third-sony-project-is-something-youve-never/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/thatgamecompanys-third-sony-project-is-something-youve-never/#comments
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]

Joystiqthatgamecompany'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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>develop-conferenceeurogamerfeelingsflowflowergod-of-warjenova-chensonythatgamecompanyWed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You gotta believe Masaya Matsuura and Jenova Chen will speak at Develop Conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/you-gotta-believe-masaya-matsuura-and-jenova-chen-will-speak-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/you-gotta-believe-masaya-matsuura-and-jenova-chen-will-speak-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/you-gotta-believe-masaya-matsuura-and-jenova-chen-will-speak-at/#commentsDevelop 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.

JoystiqYou 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>develop-conferenceflowflowerjenova-chenmasaya-matsuuranana-on-shaparappathatgamecompanyTue, 12 May 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Flower's Jenova Chen doesn't play new games, wants to explore 'feelings']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/flowers-jenova-chen-doesnt-play-new-games-wants-to-explore-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/flowers-jenova-chen-doesnt-play-new-games-wants-to-explore-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/flowers-jenova-chen-doesnt-play-new-games-wants-to-explore-f/#commentsFiled under:


Jenova Chen, creative director for thatgamecompany and champion for the recently released arboreal PSN title Flower, recently opened up during an interview with GamesIndustry to an extent we rarely see outside of Dr. Phil reruns. During the interview, he reveals that he's interested in making games that elicit emotional responses more effectively than the traditional industry blockbuster, in an attempt to "recapture" the emotions that games used to inspire within him during his formative years.

According to him, this is an area that modern video games (which he admittedly rarely plays) don't really excel at, saying most major releases "fail to educate you on an intellectual level, and the emotions they evoke are relatively primal." To this effect, the self-proclaimed goal of his burgeoning development company is to "push the boundary of what games can communicate." We're not sure what thatgamecompany's next aesthetically pleasing project will be, but one thing's for certain -- it probably won't incorporate any firearms with chainsaws attached to them.

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JoystiqFlower's Jenova Chen doesn't play new games, wants to explore 'feelings' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emotionsflowerjenova-chenPS3thatgamecompanyMon, 23 Feb 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming renaissance happening now, Flower creator says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gaming-renaissance-happening-now-says-flower-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gaming-renaissance-happening-now-says-flower-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gaming-renaissance-happening-now-says-flower-creator/#comments"I think right now - in the future, when people look back, I think it's the renaissance of video games." These words were spoken by Jenova Chen - creator of Flower and flOw - to MTV Multiplayer on the role of digital distribution in the industry. Chen believes that digital distribution platforms like PSN, Xbox Live, WiiWare, and Steam are a bastion for new and artistic game designers to flourish.

While larger companies are struggling to maintain higher production costs on "bigger and badder" versions of the same games every year, cheap and unique downloadable titles are doing well for themselves. Games like Flower, Braid and PixelJunk Monsters are noteworthy games that exemplify the "rebirth" of diversity and creativity for the industry. While it's nice to hear that digital distribution has been experiencing a renaissance and pushing boundaries, we can only hope that the rest of the industry catches up and gets pulled out of the dark ages.

[Image credit: Sklathill]

JoystiqGaming renaissance happening now, Flower creator says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionflowerjenova-chenpsnthatgamecompanyThu, 19 Feb 2009 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jenova Chen recognized as top young innovator by Technology Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/jenova-chen-recognized-as-top-young-innovator-by-technology-revi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/jenova-chen-recognized-as-top-young-innovator-by-technology-revi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/jenova-chen-recognized-as-top-young-innovator-by-technology-revi/#commentsFiled under:


One of the founders of thatgamecompany, the team behind flOw and the upcoming Flower, has been recognized by Technology Review's TR35 awards. Jenova Chen is being called a "top young innovator" for his work on game design, focusing on how "gaming can be an emotional journey for many different audiences and not just an aggressive experience for young males."

"Jenova Chen exemplifies what it means to be an innovator. He pushes the boundaries of his industry, questioning assumptions about what gaming can be. Because of his breakthrough vision, the impact from his approach to gaming will be felt for generations to come," said Krisztina "Z" Holly, USC Vice Provost for Innovation and Executive Director of the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation.

The upcoming flOwer took multiple accolades at E3, including our own award for Best PSN Game. Gamespot also awarded it Best Downloadable Game and Best Graphics.

JoystiqJenova Chen recognized as top young innovator by Technology Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flowerjenova-chentechnology-reviewthatgamecompanytr35Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jenova Chen talks about flOwer and Sony's interest in 'grown up gamers']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/jenova-chen-talks-about-flower-and-sonys-interest-in-grown-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/jenova-chen-talks-about-flower-and-sonys-interest-in-grown-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/jenova-chen-talks-about-flower-and-sonys-interest-in-grown-up/#commentsFiled under:


Not much is known about thatgamecompany's mysterious flOwer. The PSN downloadable was revealed at TGS as their big follow-up to the best-selling flOw, but few gameplay details have been unearthed. Jenova Chen talked to Gamasutra about developing another PSN title, and how the team has finally come to grips with the incredible power of the PS3.

"When we were working on flOw we didn't really use any SPUs, which is the biggest asset of PS3. Or, even if we used them, it was done by other programmers, not the programmers on our team," explained Chen. "But now, the team has caught up, and they've all started doing SPU programming. So that is really making a difference. We actually used the power of the PS3 this time."

After flOwer's release, thatgamecompany is still obliged to producing at least one more game for Sony. Thankfully, it appears that Sony has been incredibly respectful of the development process. "So far we have had a great relationship with Sony. They totally understand what we are doing, and they appreciate what we are doing." Sony's quest for artistic games is something that resonates with both parties: "I think Sony is much more interested in making games stylish and artistic; more appealing to adults. On that aspect, I think they are the same as we are. Because we are making games for people who are, I would say, like grown up gamers, who expect to see more out of a game than traditional actions."

JoystiqJenova Chen talks about flOwer and Sony's interest in 'grown up gamers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flOwerJenova-ChenthatgamecompanyFri, 09 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Watch highlights of (the first half of) the Developers Rant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-watch-highlights-of-the-game-developers-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-watch-highlights-of-the-game-developers-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-watch-highlights-of-the-game-developers-rant/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While you're reading our thorough coverage of the Game Developer's Rant (trust us, it's worth it), be sure to check out video highlights from the session courtesy of Mahalo Daily. Unfortunately we only have the first half of the session on film, so you're going to have to read the rest. (Warning: video NSFW)

Gallery: GDC08: Game Development Rant

JoystiqGDC08: Watch highlights of (the first half of) the Developers Rant originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-hockingeric-zimmermangame-developers-rantgdcgdc08jenova-chenjonathan-makSat, 23 Feb 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Six things to take from Game Developers Rant: The Little Prince]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-six-things-to-take-from-game-developers-rant-the-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-six-things-to-take-from-game-developers-rant-the-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-six-things-to-take-from-game-developers-rant-the-little/#commentsFiled under: ,

5. "We don't need more three little pigs games, we need something like The Little Prince. Makes you try to think about your life"

Jenova Chen (flOw) took the stage next, explaining that he can't just rant as a designer but also as a gamer, one who has been playing less as the years go by and is losing interest in trying the games. Fifteen years ago, he said, he was excited to playing racing games or kill Nazis (e.g. Wolfenstein 3D). Nowadays, though, there's not much interest and what he learns now is not much more than he does from a set of wooden blocks.

"We never say its too old to read books or watch movies or play sports. so whats the difference with games?" Chen notes that books are considered intellectual, movies emotional and sports social. "As grown up gamers, I don't want to see them abandoned because I'm too old." He specifies that there's not much more mature content "for people like us who still want to play games." He notes that he doesn't mean "mature" games like DOAX2 and Manhunt 2. ("We all know who cares about that," he quips, flashing a picture of hyperactive teen gamers.)

Given the average age of gamers is 33, Chen said he wants games more emotional, social and intellectual. Focusing on intellectual, Chen said, "We don't need more three little pigs games, we need something like The Little Prince. Makes you try to think about your life"

Next: Wonderful!

JoystiqGDC08: Six things to take from Game Developers Rant: The Little Prince originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-little-pigsgame-developers-rantgdcgdc08jenova-chenthe-little-princethree-little-pigsFri, 22 Feb 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: fl0w was almost on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-fl0w-was-almost-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-fl0w-was-almost-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-fl0w-was-almost-on-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Jenova Chen, Kellee Santiago and the rest of the thatgamecompany team discussed their latest motion-controlled PS3 title fl0w. The game certainly would have been an incredible addition to the Wii library, considering its use of motion controls, relatively subdued graphics, and non-gamer-friendly gameplay. Santiago revealed that fl0w was pitched to two companies: Nintendo and Sony.

Well, Sony won. Sony's aggressive approach to supporting new developers was what gave PS3 the edge. "They [Nintendo] weren't right for us at the time. Sony kind of came to us with the process of incubation ... They helped us get our studio started."

Sony has proven at GDC that they care about developers through the announcement of Edge and extending their Network offerings to independent developers. This kind of approach has allowed Sony to earn the respect of valuable talent. For example, LittleBigPlanet comes from the developer of Rag Doll Kung-Fu, who was originally interested in making titles for Nintendo. Sony's attractive development options will continue to make the system gain new, interesting and truly innovative, exclusive software for the platform.

See also:
Joystiq interview: Jenova Chen

JoystiqGDC 07: fl0w was almost on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFlowgdcgdc07jenova-chenKellee-SantiagoPSNSCEASonyThatGameCompanyFri, 09 Mar 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Jenova Chen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/joystiq-qanda-jenova-chen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/joystiq-qanda-jenova-chen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/joystiq-qanda-jenova-chen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Xinghan (Jenova) Chen has big dreams. A recent graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinema & Television, Chen focused his master's thesis on changing how game designers look at difficulty and redefine the concept of Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment. With two award-winning independent games (flOw and Cloud) under his belt as well as contributions to a multitude of other games, Chen's resume reads like an old professional in the gaming field.

We had a chance to speak with Chen to talk about his thesis, its (mis)interpretations, and his current work with Maxis.

Why did you choose this project as your Master's Thesis?

The Master's Thesis has to have some contribution to the field that you want to be a master. For me, I have created so many games in the past I feel just creating another game is not contributing anything. I'm more interesting in coming up with another solution in better game design that can be used by other game designers to attract more gamers. For other industries, any kind of interactive design, the theories in this project are helpful.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Jenova Chen

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Jenova Chen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncloudFlowjenova-chenPCPSNSCEASonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericasporeThatGameCompanyuscWill-WrightMon, 18 Sep 2006 07:30:00 EST