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[Keita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/#commentsKeita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project During the E3 alternative Horizon conference, former Journey producer and now Funomena head Robin Hunicke announced a partnership with Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy creator Keita Takahashi.

Very little was revealed about the game, though Takahashi asked the audience to "imagine blocks coming to life." The idea came from playing with his son, said Takahashi. The game will be present at tonight's Horizon mixer, and we'll be on the scene.

JoystiqKeita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funomenajourneykatamari-damacykeita-takahashinoby-noby-boyThu, 13 Jun 2013 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey producer Robin Hunicke to speak at Boston Festival of Indie Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/journey-producer-robin-hunicke-to-speak-at-boston-festival-of-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/journey-producer-robin-hunicke-to-speak-at-boston-festival-of-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/journey-producer-robin-hunicke-to-speak-at-boston-festival-of-in/#comments The Boston Festival of Indie Games has announced that its keynote speaker will be Robin Hunicke, former executive producer of Journey. Hunicke's talk, Finding Meaning in Gameplay, will "focus on how developers can create games that inspire new feelings, by looking inward and examining the everyday experiences of their own lives," according to the festival's site.

Hunicke left thatgamecompany in late March 2012 for Tiny Speck, before co-founding indie studio Funomena in September 2012 with former thatgamecompany programmer Martin Middleton.

The Boston Festival of Indie Games, which is in its second year of existence, will be held on September 14. Its planners are raising funds on Kickstarter to improve the event, and are currently $2,414 shy of their $15,000 goal with 11 days left in the funding campaign. Incentive for those pledging $25 or more (aside from a warm, charitable feeling) is a PC bundle that includes Fieldrunners and Go Home Dinosaurs.

Continue reading Journey producer Robin Hunicke to speak at Boston Festival of Indie Games

JoystiqJourney producer Robin Hunicke to speak at Boston Festival of Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston-festival-of-indie-gamesboston-figfunomenaindie-gamesjourneykeynoterobin-hunickespeakertiny-speckSat, 18 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey Collector's Edition out now on EU PSN, disc 'later this year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/journey-collectors-edition-out-now-on-eu-psn-disc-later-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/journey-collectors-edition-out-now-on-eu-psn-disc-later-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/journey-collectors-edition-out-now-on-eu-psn-disc-later-this/#comments Journey Collector's Edition out now on PSN in Europe, disc soon
Journey Collector's Edition has wandered onto the European PSN for €19.99/£15.99. The bundle includes the Joystiq Game of the Year 2012, Journey, along with thatgamecompany's other creations, Flower and fl0w.

The package is nearly identical to the one that launched in North America late last year, including a 30-minute documentary on the making of the game, some extra minigames and creator commentary.

European residents who'd like a physical copy of the bundle will need to wait a little while: Sony notes the disc-based retail version won't be available until "later this year" for the territory.

JoystiqJourney Collector's Edition out now on EU PSN, disc 'later this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyjourney-collectors-editionplaystationps3Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catherine stalks PS Plus EU on May 1, Velocity Ultra shoots in May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/catherine-stalks-ps-plus-eu-on-may-1-velocity-ultra-shoots-in-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/catherine-stalks-ps-plus-eu-on-may-1-velocity-ultra-shoots-in-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/catherine-stalks-ps-plus-eu-on-may-1-velocity-ultra-shoots-in-m/#comments Raunchy puzzler Catherine is one of the five games coming to Europe's PlayStation Plus next month. The not-so-sheepish Atlus game joins Malicious and the previously announced Hitman Absolution in the PS3's Instant Game Collection on May 1.

Meanwhile, Vita-owning subscribers can power up with a couple of shoot-em-ups. First up is the oddball steampunk of Sine Mora on May 8, and that's followed by Velocity Ultra on May 15. The Vita upgrade of Futurlab's Mini was penciled in for May in North America, so its arrival on PS Plus EU likely means it'll be released on PSN the same week.

As ever, newbies shooting up the place forces old stuff to scream in terror as it flees the service. F1 Race Stars, Okami HD, and Quantum Conundrum leave a collective puff of smoke on May 1, with Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward and Thomas Was Alone soon scampering after on May 8 and May 22 respectively.

JoystiqCatherine stalks PS Plus EU on May 1, Velocity Ultra shoots in May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catherineeuropefuturlabjourneyplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3PSNvelocity-ultravitaWed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Glue, Gurney, Spy Parity, more free in Mumble Indie Bungle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/world-of-glue-gurney-spy-parity-more-free-in-mumble-indie-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/world-of-glue-gurney-spy-parity-more-free-in-mumble-indie-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/world-of-glue-gurney-spy-parity-more-free-in-mumble-indie-bun/#comments Artsy games guy Pippin Barr offers six free games in Mumble Indie BunglePippin Barr is up to his academic tricks again, this time with a bundle of six new games based on popular indie titles as if they were misheard in conversation: Gurney, World of Glue, Spy Parity, Proteas, 30 Flights of Loathing and Carp Life. These make up the Mumble Indie Bungle, and five of them are completely free, available to download for PC and Mac on Barr's site. Carp Life - a play on IGF mega-winner Cart Life - is extra special, available for $1 or any price over it.

"The idea for the collection, in keeping with the titles, is that it's meant to be this set of crappy indie games that someone perhaps bought for you, mistaking them for the originals," Barr writes on his blog. "So you might excitedly unwrap your new bundle of games to find something like Subpar Meat Boy and Flour (Instead of Super Meat Boy and Flower). Not that I'm using those two titles, though both were originally near the top of the list."

Gurney - a title parody of thatgamecompany's Journey - has players type out religious phrases as they scroll across the bottom of the screen, over the rolling, flickering lights of a hospital ceiling and anxious faces of doctors. The words become jumbled as the player loses consciousness, and Barr warns that eventually the game can cause seizures, so be careful with that one. Or, have fun.

World of Glue is a platforming play on World of Goo, Spy Parity is a jab at Chris Hecker's Spy Party, Proteas is an experiment on Proteus and 30 Flights of Loathing is a step away from Blendo Games' Thirty Flights of Loving.

Check out all the games your aging aunt thinks you're talking about on Barr's site, and buy Carp Life for whatever you think it's worth right here.

JoystiqWorld of Glue, Gurney, Spy Parity, more free in Mumble Indie Bungle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carp-lifecart-lifeGurneyhumble-indie-bundleIndiejourneymacmumble-indie-bunglepcPippin-Barrproteasproteusspy-parityspy-partythirty-flights-of-loathingthirty-flights-of-lovingworld-of-glueWorld-of-GooMon, 08 Apr 2013 19:30:00 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 art director opens new studio, first game to include music from Austin Wintory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/journey-art-director-opens-new-studio-first-game-to-include-mus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/journey-art-director-opens-new-studio-first-game-to-include-mus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/journey-art-director-opens-new-studio-first-game-to-include-mus/#comments Journey art director opens new studio, first game to include music from Austin WintoryMatt Nava, former art director for Journey and Flower, announced that he will be opening a new game development studio, Giant Squid. Nava teamed up wth Los Angeles television and film company Ink Factory to found the studio, and will serve as creative director.

Nava is joined by Nicholas Clark, who assisted in developing Journey, Flow and Flower and will act as an advisor to the developer. Grammy-nominated Journey composer Austin Wintory has signed on to score the music for the first Giant Squid game, according to the developer's official site. It's unclear if Wintory will join the team on a permanent basis.

JoystiqJourney art director opens new studio, first game to include music from Austin Wintory originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementAustin-Wintoryflowergiant-squidink-factoryjourneymatt-navanew-studionicholas-clarkSat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 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 takes 'Game of the Year' at DICE awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/journey-takes-game-of-the-year-at-dice-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/journey-takes-game-of-the-year-at-dice-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/journey-takes-game-of-the-year-at-dice-awards/#comments Austin WintoryJourney took a long walk through the DICE awards this evening and scooped up eight accolades along the way. We can't help but agree with the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. The 16th annual DICE awards also recognized The Walking Dead with four awards.

Valve co-founder and overlord Gabe Newell became the 17th inductee into the AIAS Hall of Fame (he also totally ignored the "no denim" rule of the awards show). Also, Infocom co-founders Dave Lebling and Marc Blank receive the 2013 AIAS Pioneer Award.

All the winners can can be found listed after the break.

Continue reading Journey takes 'Game of the Year' at DICE awards

JoystiqJourney takes 'Game of the Year' at DICE awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASDICE-2013dice-awardsjourneymicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-walking-deadxboxFri, 08 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Developers Choice Awards nod to Journey, Dishonored, FTL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/game-developers-choice-awards-nod-to-journey-dishonored-ftl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/game-developers-choice-awards-nod-to-journey-dishonored-ftl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/game-developers-choice-awards-nod-to-journey-dishonored-ftl/#comments Game Developers Choice Awards nod to Journey, Dishonored, FTL, moreFinalists for the 13th annual Game Developers Choice Awards represent the broad swath of modern game development, featuring indie and mainstream games side-by-side and in perfect, competitive harmony. Journey, a game that we thoroughly enjoyed, leads the pack with six nominations in Best Design, Best Downloadable Game, Best Audio, Best Visual, Innovation and Game of the Year. Dishonored follows with four nominations in Best Narrative, Best Visual, Best Design and Game of the Year.

The Walking Dead gets three nods, for Best Downloadable Game, Best Narrative and Game of the Year. Rounding out the Game of the Year category is Mass Effect 3 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Mark of the Ninja, FTL: Faster Than Light, The Unfinished Swan and ZombiU join Journey in the Innovation category. The Best Debut category features Polytron Corporation with Fez, Fireproof Games with The Room, Humble Hearts and Dust: An Elysian Tail, Giant Sparrow and The Unfinished Swan, and Subset Games with FTL.

Take a peek at the entire GDCA lineup in the press release below, featuring finalists in 10 categories. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 27 in San Francisco, during GDC 2013.

Continue reading Game Developers Choice Awards nod to Journey, Dishonored, FTL

JoystiqGame Developers Choice Awards nod to Journey, Dishonored, FTL originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsGDCGDC-2013GDCAjourneymicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxThu, 24 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2013 DICE Award nominations led by Journey, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/2013-dice-award-nominations-led-by-journey-walking-dead-far-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/2013-dice-award-nominations-led-by-journey-walking-dead-far-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/2013-dice-award-nominations-led-by-journey-walking-dead-far-cr/#comments The nominations have been announced for the 16th annual DICE Awards, and Journey leads the pack with nods in 11 categories including outstanding achievement in music composition, outstanding achievement in game direction and overall game of the year. The Walking Dead, Far Cry 3 and Halo 4 have each racked up eight, seven and six nominations, respectively. Dishonored and Borderlands 2 each pulling in five nods.

In addition to Journey, contenders for game of the year include The Walking Dead, Far Cry 3, Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

The DICE Awards will take place on February 7 at 10:30pm ET, during the 2013 DICE summit, and will be hosted by Chris Hardwick of The Nerdist and Talking Dead. The event will be streamed live on Machinima. You can read the full list of nominations right here.

Continue reading 2013 DICE Award nominations led by Journey, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3

Joystiq2013 DICE Award nominations led by Journey, Walking Dead, Far Cry 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAIASdicedice-2013dice-awardsjourneymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxMon, 14 Jan 2013 11:45:00 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[Austin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/#comments Austin WintoryOn the day Grammy nominations were scheduled to be announced, Austin Wintory didn't get much work done. As the composer for Journey, Wintory had an inkling that he might be nominated in Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, and he was distracted all day, constantly refreshing the Grammy page, scanning for his name. By evening the list still wasn't posted and he gave up on trying to focus. He got in his car, determined to go home, make dinner and then check the page again.

"The instant I got in my car, my email started blinking. Of all people, it was from my friend Christopher Tin, emailing me to say 'CONGRATULATIONS' - in all caps."

Tin won the first Grammy for a piece of video game music, Civilization 4's "Baba Yetu," in 2011. He and Wintory had been friends for years. When Wintory saw that email, he quickly called Tin and the subsequent conversation went something like this:

"What are you - are you on the website?" Wintory asked Tin. "What's going on?"

"Yeah, I'm looking right at it! There you are!" Tin replied. And then, after a second, the situation dawned on him. "Wait a minute - you didn't know this already?"

"No! I'm in my car right now."

"Oh, this is perfect."

Just then Wintory's phone began buzzing, beeping and possibly sobbing under the barrage of emails, texts and calls from friends and well-wishers. Two weeks later, Wintory agrees with Tin's assessment of events.

"As fate had it, I heard from Chris himself," he says. "I had no foresight, I had absolutely no plan, and yet in hindsight, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Continue reading Austin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys

JoystiqAustin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-grammysAustin-Wintorycomposergrammy-awardsgrammysjourneyleisure-suit-larryleisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsmicrosoftmonacomusicpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 27 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey composer Austin Wintory writing score for Leisure Suit Larry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/#comments
We can't think of two games that could possibly be more disparate from one another than Journey and Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards, but we apparently live in the wackiest of all possible universes because Journey's Grammy-nominated composer Austin Wintory will also be lending his talents to Larry's upcoming adventure. Weird.

"That's my era as a gamer growing up," Wintory told Polygon. "This was like a fantasy to work on a game like that." Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe confirmed with Wintory that he was okay with writing "seedy, back alley kind of stuff" before finalizing the deal, so we probably shouldn't expect the same sort of grand, sweeping orchestral majesty that Wintory penned for Journey, as heard above.

Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards is slated to really class up the joint sometime next year.

JoystiqJourney composer Austin Wintory writing score for Leisure Suit Larry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-Loweaustin-wintorycomposerjourneykickstarterleisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsmusicpcReplay-GamesscoresoundtrackTue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:00 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[Journey leads Spike VGA 2012 nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/journey-leads-spike-vga-2012-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/journey-leads-spike-vga-2012-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/journey-leads-spike-vga-2012-nominations/#comments VGA 2012 nominees revealed, festivities to air on Spike, Xbox Live and the webThe nominees for this year's Spike Video Game Awards have been outed, featuring a cavalcade of 2012's best titles. Journey led the pack with seven nods this year, including Game of the Year. Other stand-outs include The Walking Dead, Assassin's Creed 3 and Dishonored, which are each nominated for five awards. The complete list of nominees and special "Viewer Voted" categories are available on Spike's award page.

In addition to being broadcast on television, the Spike VGAs will be presented on Xbox Live with special SmartGlass functionality. Viewers can check out the festivities through their Xbox 360 on December 7 at 9pm ET when Samuel L. Jackson takes the stage as host.

JoystiqJourney leads Spike VGA 2012 nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddishonoreddsiosipadiphonejourneymacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3samuel-l-jacksonspike-vga-2012spike-video-game-awardsspike-video-game-awards-2012the-walking-deadvga-2012vitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 15 Nov 2012 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[Rumor: PowerUp Rewards offers big discounts on Sony PS3 collections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/#comments Supposedly GameStop is planning a PowerUp Rewards member-exclusive sale from November 1 through November 14 for select Sony PlayStation 3 collections. Titles rumored to be on the cheap include Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection ($10), Jak and Daxter Collection ($10), Uncharted 1 and 2 ($15), God of War Saga ($20), Infamous 1 and 2 ($15), Killzone Trilogy ($20), the collector's edition of Journey ($15) and Ratchet & Clank Collection ($15). The rumored prices come courtesy of a NeoGAF thread featuring deal-seeking gamers.

We called a few local GameStop stores and the employees we talked to said there's no indication on their end a sale is incoming. A few employees mentioned seeing the GAF thread, but had no email correspondence or indication in their system of the promotion. We've followed up with GameStop corporate as well because we totally want this to be a thing. Ico and Shadow of the Colossus for $10? Yeah, we totally back that idea.

JoystiqRumor: PowerUp Rewards offers big discounts on Sony PS3 collections originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgod-of-wargod-of-war-sagaico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectioninfamousinfamous-2jak-and-daxter-collectionjourneyjourney-collectors-editionkillzone-trilogyplaystationps3ratchet-and-clank-collectionuncharteduncharted-2uncharted-2-among-thievesThu, 01 Nov 2012 02:00:00 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[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[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[Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/#comments During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores - like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.

It's just one of the more recent audio accompaniments added for the June 6 show. There are also select tunes from Skyrim, which will be handled by a secret guest conductor; composer Russell Bower will conduct some Diablo 3 tunes. Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox and even a Street Fighter segment - to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capcom's fighter - are planned. Akira Yamaoka will also play guitar at some point.

Finally, there's Earthworm Jim to consider, a game that Tallarico himself worked on. Apparently folks have been asking him to add it to Video Games Live for quite some time now, which we're totally in favor of - as long as we get that thrash metal remix of "Use Your Head" we've been waiting our entire lives for.

JoystiqVideo Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustin-wintorydonkey-kong-countrydse3-2012journeykinectmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psprussell-bowerskyrimsonytommy-tallaricovideo-games-livevitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/#comments The full PlayStation downloads list for April - as opposed to the sneak peek we got thanks to Pulse earlier this month, where the list is not segregated by platform - has been released and Ubisoft's I Am Alive was indeed the top download. On the PS3 and PSN list, thatgamecompany's Journey followed Ubisoft's long-awaited title. Reverge Labs' debut Skullgirls managed to snag the third spot.

On the PS Vita side, Escape Plan continued to dominate - no surprise since there's not much else for the PS Vita right now, though that changes today. Modern Warfare 3's Content Collection #1 drop on PSN also did well, topping out the PS3 add-on category. Finally, Final Fantasy VII was the top PSOne Classic, but then again you already knew that because it's always Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3escape-plani-am-alivejourneymoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-downloadspspskullgirlssonyvitaWed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 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[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[Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/seen-pax-east-journey-between-halls/#comments Image
Joystiq: Oh, hello! We love your costume. What's the secret to effective, truly evocative cosplay?

Continue reading Seen@PAX East: Journey between halls

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Journey between halls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeypax-eastpax-east-2012playstationps3Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST