PS3 exclusive

Lore & Background

The world of Journey is a vast, desolate desert, littered with the ruins of an ancient civilization. The player character, a robed figure, awakens at the foot of a glowing mountain and is compelled to travel toward its peak. Along the way, the traveler discovers remnants of a fallen society—murals, scarves, and machines—that hint at a lost age of flight and prosperity. The journey is both physical and spiritual, with the mountain representing a goal that is as much about inner transformation as it is about reaching a destination.

Reader's Guide

Developed by thatgamecompany, Journey was the studio's third title, following flOw and Flower. The game was directed by Jenova Chen and designed with a focus on emotional resonance and minimalist interaction. It was built using the PhyreEngine and released exclusively for PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network in 2012. The game received universal acclaim for its art direction, music (composed by Austin Wintory), and innovative multiplayer that paired players anonymously. Critics praised its ability to evoke deep emotion without dialogue or text. Journey won numerous Game of the Year awards and was later re-released on PlayStation 4 and PC, but its original PS3 release remains a landmark in artistic game design.

Did You Know?

• The flowing scarf worn by the traveler grows longer as the player collects glowing symbols, enabling longer flight.
• The game's soundtrack by Austin Wintory was the first video game score nominated for a Grammy Award.
• The mountain at the center of the journey was inspired by the director's personal experiences and the concept of a pilgrimage.