Journey's Philosophically Human Premise Revealed

Journey

We heard it announced at E3 but it didn't come with much in the way of details. Therefore, we were all sorts of excited to see it on the PlayStation Blog this morning.

thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen crafted the idea from a belief that in a world were man has immense power, we've lost a once-inherent respect and appreciation for nature and the unknown. We always feel as if we have the edge over infinitely more powerful forces but in becoming arrogant, perhaps we've also "become isolated and insecure deep inside our mind." Then, we go hiking or expose ourselves to the risks of a world we really haven't - and in truth, couldn't - conquer, and we suddenly feel small and frightened. So when we do stumble upon someone else, that encounter seems "much more important and enjoyable," and "we greet them, giving them genuine useful help." Maybe you'll travel together and give each other unique assistance; an intrinsically human characteristic.

Now, we know that online gaming is all about dealing with other people but in this respect, we'll be dealing with strangers in a very different way; Chen thinks that if we're wandering the wilds where we feel "tiny and weak," that dynamic with other individuals will change accordingly. As he said-

"In a world where the majority of the players are distracted by technology, evoking a sense of awe and mystery could be very refreshing and powerful."

So they wanted to create a world that felt unfamiliar; the character first wakes up in a vast desert, with no idea of what happened to him, or what might happen in the near future. There is only a tall mountain in the distance; your only point of interest at the time. Then, as you set out, you eventually encounter someone who is on his or her own journey; at least, in the online portion as the single-player portion is still a bit of a mystery. All we do know is that Chen says the team is "much closer to getting the game into your hands."

...I think this guy stole my thoughts while I was asleep, or something. But anyway, unique experiences continue to mount in this industry, and it's thanks to creative visionaries like Chen.

Related Game(s): Journey

6/18/2010 10:45:15 AM Ben Dutka

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