Jenova Chen Discusses The Challenges In Following Up Journey, Multiplatform Development

Last year's PlayStation Network hit, Journey, was easily one of the best games of last year. Thatgamecompany crafted an incredibly unique experience that will go down in history as one of the first titles to really prove that video games can be art.

As such, TGC has a whole heck of a lot of expectation to live up to with their next game, and studio head Jenova Chen is well aware of this fact. In an interview with IGN, Chen said flat out that “it has to be better. I can’t just let people down."

He went on to add: "Even just before coming to DICE, I was like ‘this is not going to top Journey.’ But I can’t see a game that’s more epic than the journey of a lifetime, right? From living to dying. How can you do something to top that? That’s tremendous pressure. I’m trying to stay away, trying not to directly compete with Journey in my next game. That’s what I’m working on right now.”

WIth regards to developing for multiple platforms, Chen went on to express his excitement in reaching a much larger audience. "The value of the company and the money the company makes are directly mirrored by how much service we can provide to society. If we can make great games for PS3 players…how many PS3 players are out there? If we can make great games for everybody, that’s a much bigger service. There’s no reason I shouldn’t do that.”

Do you have high hopes for the next project from thatgamecompany? Do you think they'll be able to top Journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Upcoming Releases

Tactical, beautiful, and wholly unique, the GOTY-winning sci-fi RTS returns with Homeworld 3. Assume control and battle through fleet combat in dazzling, fully 3D space while the award-winning story unfolds on a galactic scale.
The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.
Inspired by the beauty of the natural world around us, Everwild is a brand-new game in development from Rare where unique and unforgettable experiences await in a natural and magical world. Play as an Eternal as you explore and build bonds with the world around you.

Reviews

9 Epomaker RT100 Review
Epomaker has gone big and bold with its RT100 keyboard. While other products in the company’s lineup are designed around…