ThatGameCompany chief Jenova Chen says the studio's next game will maintain Journey's focus on player communication.
Speaking with Polygon at DICE last week, Chen said ThatGameCompany's next project will retain Journey's focus on fostering a unique bond between players. "Journey was focused on connection," said Chen. "I think we are trying to do one level above that with this game."
In Journey, released on PSN last spring, players would be randomly paired in a game world without identifying marks beyond a long scarf, which grows when players find hidden collectibles. Players ware tasked with completing puzzles to progress, but can only communicate in-game by making chirping noises to grab their partner's attention.
Chen's ambition isn't limited to the scope of the title's mechanics: He also wants the game to be the studio's biggest hit. "My resolution is to create a big financial success," Chen remarked. The game likely will, at the very least, reach the largest audience to date: After a three game publishing partnership with Sony, ThatGameCompany is now working as an independent developer, and the studio plans to release their next game on many platforms.
ThatGameCompany and Journey took home eight DICE awards from the conference's awards show, including "Game of the Year." How they take their new game to the next level, is something we will have to see to understand.
