Thatgamecompany
An American independent game developer known for emotionally evocative games like Journey.
Vincent Diamante · CC BY-SA 2.0
Thatgamecompany, Inc. (stylized as thatgamecompany) is an American independent video game development company founded by University of Southern California students Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago in 2006. The company was a developer for Sony Computer Entertainment, contracted to create three downloadable games for the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network service, and has since secured independent funding. Its first game is a remake of Chen's award-winning Flash title Flow, released on the PlayStation Store in 2007. Its second game, Flower, was released in 2009, and its third, Journey, was released in March 2012. Its fourth game, Sky: Children of the Light, was released in July 2019 on iOS and in April 2020 on Android, followed by the Nintendo Switch in June 2021, PlayStation 4 in December 2022, and Windows in April 2024.
- Founders
- Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago
- First Game
- Flow (originally a Flash-based browser game before being ported to PlayStation)
- Key Platform
- PlayStation (Sony Interactive Entertainment partnership; Flow debuted as a Flash game)
Lore & Background
Thatgamecompany was founded on May 15, 2006, by Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago, who were master's students in the Interactive Media Program at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. The company signed a deal with Sony Computer Entertainment to produce three games for the PlayStation Network. The company focuses on creating video games that provoke emotional responses from players, starting design by mapping out what the game should make the player feel rather than by establishing game mechanics. After Journey's release, the company raised $5.5 million in venture capital funding. In March 2022, it received a $160 million investment and took on Pixar co-founder Edwin Catmull as an advisor. As of that time, the studio was working on its fifth game.
In Their Own Story
The wind rushes past as the robed figure ascends the mountain peak, the golden sands swirling around their feet. There is no speech exchanged, only a soft hum that resonates through the air when another traveler appears nearby. Together, they leap across the chasm, not because of a command or a quest marker, but simply to reach the light at the summit, sharing a moment of silent triumph before the journey continues.
Reader's Guide
Journey was released on March 13, 2012, as the final game in Thatgamecompany's three-game contract with Sony. It was developed by a team of fourteen and was in development for three years. Upon release, it became the fastest-selling game to date on PlayStation Store in North America and Europe.
Did You Know?
- Journey was the third and final game in Thatgamecompany's three-game contract with Sony.
- The game was developed by a team of fourteen and took three years to complete, despite an initial expectation of one year.
- After Journey's release, the company ran out of money and imposed an unpaid hiatus on employees until revenue from the game arrived.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was their first released game?
The company launched its debut title called Flow, which pioneered the flow genre by prioritizing atmosphere over competitive mechanics. This early work set the stage for their future projects centered on player connection.
Why is Journey considered a flagship title?
Journey stands out as their most renowned project because it successfully utilized silence and gameplay to convey emotional storytelling without words. It exemplifies their philosophy that less is more when evoking specific feelings within the audience.
Which platform partner supports their games?
Thatgamecompany maintains a key partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment, making PlayStation consoles their primary home for releases. This collaboration has helped distribute their unique style of interactive art to a global audience.
What is their legacy in the industry?
They are credited with changing how developers approach narrative by proving that mechanics can convey emotion just as effectively as dialogue. Their work continues to influence studios aiming to create meaningful, non-competitive player experiences.
More in Development & Legacy
Elsewhere in the Journey universe
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