The Art Director On Journey And Flower Just Formed His Own Studio

Kotaku - As unique as they are, the most striking thing about games like Flower and Journey may be their art styles. Now Matt Nava, the art director on both titles, has departed thatgamecompany to form his own development house, Giant Squid Studios, with the Los Angeles-based film and TV studio Ink Factory.

[imtheman2013]

B-b-but... what does this mean for thatgamecompany?! I mean, I'm sure Giant Squid Studios will produce an amazing game... but it seems like thatgamecompany lost a few really key people on their team to form the new studio.

[ThatXboxGuy]

I think there was some serious problems with the direction Jenova wanted to take the company.A lot of problems arouse, and they almost went bankrupt because of that year delay on Journey.

A lot of key people left after it's release.Now it's basically just Jen and his wild ambitions.And without Sony funding, promoting and supporting TGC, i don't think they will last much longer.

[DanielForth]

I'll just say what we're all thinking, Wait So Derrr, uh Does dat mean Thatgamecompanies New Gaym Will SUCK NOW??!

[jc48573]

Giant Squid Studios? Man, you guys just stole my name for uh....yea....

[Tapani]

From what I understand they are still talking, but they simply had different visions. Jenova Chen probably wants to make his next game a commercial success (source: www.gamesindustry.biz interview), however, these guys most likely want to pursue their abstract and artistic ambitions rather than get a bigger game out there.

In my eyes, this is all good. Small, perhaps slightly more innovative and artistic games from GSG and rather commercialized Journey-esque titles from TGC.

This also leaves more room for new artists and directors to rise among the ranks :)

[Skate-AK]

Ohhh. I like the logo for some reason.