Grave Gamer News & Views — journey

By Ailovc

Industry First: Journey’s Soundtrack Nominated for a Grammy

Thatgamecompany’s critically acclaimed download-only adventure, Journey, just accrued itself even more acclaim: Journey’s soundtrack is officially the first video game score to be nominated by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for a Grammy Award.

Falling into the category “Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media,” composer Austin Wintory’s work on Thatgamecompany’s unique co-op adventurer sits right alongside heavyweight nominees such as The Dark Knight Rises (Hans Zimmer) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross).  That’s right, an online platformer that only allows you to communicate with other players through a “chirp” button is up for a Grammy.  Hear that Hollywood?  That chirping is the sound of the video game industry rolling up on your shit.

As IGN points out, there is some precedent for this event.  Previously, a single song from Civilization IV was nominated for and took home a Grammy.  Journey’s is the first  entire video game soundtrack to be nominated and, if nabbed, it will be the first game in history to win the category’s award.  The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will commence on Sunday, February 10th, 2013.

Journey Collector’s Edition Going Retail in August

The fastest selling downloadable game in PSN history is preparing to go corporeal as Thatgamecompany plans on packaging Journey onto a special edition retail disc for the PS3, releasing August 28th.

For $29.99, Journey Collector’s Edition comes stocked with the titular game as well as TGC’s previous two outings, flOw and Flower.  But TGC understands Blu-Ray discs are large enough to house the whole of human history.  That won’t be included, but this content will be:

• Concept art, screenshot galleries, trailers, dev diaries, soundtracks, and Creator Commentary playthroughs of all three games.
• Behind-the-scenes documentary on Journey.
• PS3 themes, wallpapers, and exclusive Journey avatars.
• Reversible cover art to match your flippant mood.
• Three TGC crafted mini-games created during the 24hr Game Jam: Gravediggers, Duke War!!, and Nostril Shot. TGC says these competitive multiplayer titles represent the studio’s lighter side, “We hope you sincerely enjoy their silliness as much as we have.”

Do PS3 Owners Have More Refined Tastes Than Other Gamers?

“Sony has a more artistic and adult-focused taste.  They care about how grown-ups feel toward their games. The player who owns a PlayStation 3 is more likely to be interested in artistic games compared to Wii and Xbox 360.”

Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany’s co-founder, stoking a very large fire to fuel fanboy rage.  thatgamecompany, started in 2006, is responsible for PSN hits such as Flower and Journey, two titles created under an exclusivity contract with Sony.  Not accusing Jenova of bias by mentioning that fact (I’ll let you do that for me).

There has certainly been instances where Xbox 360 titles, especially downloadable ones, have proven the console’s users have more eclectic taste than Mr. Chen gives them credit for.  And just look at the Wii…and promptly look away because it’s impossible to argue away that system’s good-to-bad ratio of titles (i.e. the Curse of Shovelware) and also explain its continued success.

Jenova Chen has this knack for making comments that always fall between being brilliant and being steeped in controversy – but he never fails to be quotable.  This time, fans of Microsoft and Nintendo are guaranteed to get incensed over his words.  I’m curious to also hear from gamers that aren’t aligned with just one console, but own more than one.

So, gaming populace at large, how does Jenova’s comment make you feel?

Journey by kathu2