PlayStation LifeStyle » Flower

Fox News Calls Flower a Conduit for Brainwashing Children

Jonathan Leack — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:01 +0000

It has become a regular occurrence to see media outlets attacking the video game industry for its affect on children. Mass Effect was a strong topic of debate a few years back due to its inclusion of sexual encounters, and games like Grand Theft Auto and Mortal Kombat have made routine appearances on prime time news for their violent imagery. Now a new game has joined the club, and it’s one that you’d likely never guess.

One of Fox News’ latest discussions was centered around environmentalism and its increasing presence in video games. During the three minute segment, several games were referenced as potentially hazardous influences to children, including Sim City for its anti-pollution gameplay mechanics, and most surprisingly a game that many would call one of the most peaceful in gaming history: Flower. Much of the discussion revolved around the supposed fear mongering that is prominent in several games, namely Flower. The guest for the segment mentioned that games with environment-centric themes are used to “brainwash” children into fearing industrialism, deforestation, and several other major political topics.

Flower was extremely well received when it released in 2007, and while it had no dialogue, it spoke strongly with its presentation. It’s anti-pollution themes were mild, but apparent, and far from being something that would potentially harm a child or teenager’s mind.

[Via]

GoldenEye Creator Emotionally Impacted by Flower

Mike Hartnett — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:42:32 +0000

When thatgamecompany’s moving piece of gaming beauty, Flower, was introduced to the gaming world early last year, it was met with warm receptions, warm hearts and, in some cases, welled up eyes. These sort of reactions by gamers aren’t simply reserved for the average consumer, but for the big names behind the games as well.

Flower, it means many things to many people, one of those people in particular happen to be GoldenEye 007 creator Martin Hollis. Many gamers who complete Flower experience not only a profound sense of accomplishment, but often a very calm emotional state; a relaxed state-of-mind, if you will, through the game’s story which can come across as simple for some, and complex for others. This complex storytelling ability, shrouded by an air of simplicity, actually moved Hollis to put the game down altogether, because he found it to be far too stirring emotionally.

“One of the interesting things about Flower was I couldn’t play it because it was so emotionally provoking,”
“I couldn’t play it properly because as soon as I controlled it I felt an upwelling and I had to put it down.”
“That’s an achievement.”

Hollis then went on to discuss how he hasn’t played titles like Shadow of The Colossus, because he knows that he just wouldn’t feel right killing the beasts in the game. But for a game such as Flower – one which doesn’t contain any enemies or any actual characters depending upon how one looks at it – to move someone to the point of putting down the controller, well… that certainly is an achievement. It truly is impressive to see one of thatgamecompany’s masterpieces still making headlines over a year after its initial release, and proves that games are not only art, but for some… an experience unlike any other.

[Source]

Talent Blooms on LittleBigPlanet 2 Beta

Corey Schwanz — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:15:53 +0000

LittleBigPlanet 2 has already blown people away with the levels that have been created in the recently released beta. From fighting games, to first-person shooters, and even a version of thatgamecompany’s flOw. But could you imagine thatgamecompany’s other PSN favorite in LBP2?

That’s right. Even flower, one of the most soothing experiences currently offered with a controller, has successfully been made in the user-generated platform. While the original LittleBigPlanet was suited to the creation of more traditional side-scrolling games, its sequel looks capable of nearly anything. PSN user RAPHEAI spent untold hours creating the level and it undoubtedly paid off. Check it out for yourself below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I can’t even imagine the amount of work that had to go in to create something like this. Can you? The North American beta codes for LittleBigPlanet 2 are going to come out later this week. Stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle for all your LittleBigPlanet needs!

[Via]

Report Shows DLC Market Has Serious Potential

Mike Hartnett — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:40:14 +0000

The PlayStation Store and the DLC market in general are on a pretty significant upswing as of late, and if there was anytime for developers to jump into the fray, now would be the time.

NPD Group is reporting that 25 per cent of US consumers aged 13 and above have downloaded content to their home computer, console, smart phone, Blu-ray player or other device over the last 3 months, with six per cent doing so via a games console. Although this number may seem small in the grand scheme of things, it’s actually pretty amazing. Considering the DLC market only really began a couple of years ago, this growth is pretty rapid, especially with the amount of gamers now online. This shows developers that the profit potential in the PlayStation Store and elsewhere is huge, especially if the price is right and ample effort is put into the final product.

Throughout the past few years, we’ve seen some really awesome games and content on the DLC scene, like Flower and Wipeout HD, experiences which aren’t available at retail. We can only hope that this market continues to grow, and that developers keep up the momentum, because this is one market that is ripe for the picking on both ends of the developer-consumer spectrum.

[Source]

No Move Support for Flower Anytime Soon

Corey Schwanz — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:18:58 +0000

While thatgamecompany’s PSN hits flOw and Flower have been some of the best examples of motion control on the PlayStation 3, you shouldn’t be holding out for any retrofitting of their games for Sony’s “official” motion controller.

If you are an early adopter of the Move, you probably were looking into what games you already owned that have or will soon receive a patch for motion gaming. Simple to check, they have lists for that sorts of thing. I don’t think I’ve seen a game better suited for a PlayStation Move patch than the PSN favorite Flower, and apparently most people think the same. Flower has appeared on lists across the Internet for having Move support, but with no confirmation. I even planned on playing Flower this afternoon with my currently charging Move controller, Twitter allowed me to finally answer this question once and for all. I asked @thatgamecompany straight up, Will flower have Move support? I got an unfortunate answer:

@Taggart451 I think somewhere Flower was on a list for Move, though we were never asked to confirm. No plans for it right now.

I guess this was just one rumor that no one bothered to check. At least we have some official confirmation now. You’ll surely hear from PlayStation LifeStyle if thatgamecompany’s next title, Journey, will have Move support since it hasn’t been talked about yet.

thatgamecompany Talks Game Industry

Kyle P. — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:03:32 +0000

Jenova Chen, of thatgamecompany, recently talked about a certain flaw in the industry as a whole, and what they can do to fix it. Of course, thatgamecompany worked on flOw and Flower, two phenomenal, jaw-dropping games, and is currently working on the unreleased PSN exclusive, Journey. All of these games contain simply breathtaking environments and an atmosphere simply captures you.

Speaking to NowGamer, Chen cited that the “majority of the games happen in a very fake world“. Additionally, “if you want the player to really appreciate what you are saying, the message has to be relevant to them.”

“When it comes to video games, it is also an artistic medium where you can communicate with your players. If you want to touch the player through your game, you have to be successful at letting them get some portion of what you are trying to say in the game.”

Continuing, Chen added:

“If you want the player to really appreciate what you are saying, the message has to be relevant to them. I think it is quite hard today to make a relevant message in video game because the majority of the games happen in a very fake world. It’s not just the graphics I’m talking about. I think feeling real is very different from looking real.”

Chen’s words certainly have some merit. Flower and flOw really pull you into the world; and that really adds to the overall experience. We here at PlayStation LifeStyle have faith in thatgamecompany to, once again, deliver, with their upcoming PSN title, Journey.

Naughty Dog Dev Bringing Concepts For ICO-like Game

Ray Conley — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:28:25 +0000

The guys over at Naughty Dog have proved that they could bring innovation and awesome ideas to the PS3 with Uncharted 2. One of the many great things remembered from both of the Uncharted series was the lush and seemingly alive environments which was first envisioned by their talented team of concept artists. It now looks like Naughty Dog isn’t shy to lend a hand from their skilled art department to bring inspiration on another interesting game in development.

Eytan Zana, one of the concept artists from Naughty Dog, has posted some environment sketches on his blog (see below) for what he called an “ICO inspired project.” He further stated that he is working closely with Matt Nava, who was the art director for the PSN downloadable Flower. The developers behind the Flower project, known as thatgamecompany, have already been hard at work on their next title, which they claim will be an exotic adventure. And since Naughty Dog is already paving the way for Uncharted 3 and will probably need all hands at work, Eytan Zana could very well be working this on the side with Nava.

With Zana behind the helm with some of the art on this “new” title, let’s hope that the level editors can capture the emotion he brought to the environment in Uncharted. Either way, that guy is definitely suited for the job.

[Source]

thatgamecompany Announces Newest PS3 Title

Kyle P. — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:08:26 +0000

Why this sure-to-be gem wasn’t announced at the Sony press conference earlier today may always remain a mystery. Announced just moments ago is the latest title from the team behind Flower, one of the best games on the PSN Store. Yup, that’s right! thatgamecompany’s newest title is called Journey; a PS3 exclusive destined for release sometime next year.

Continuing the style found in Flower, Journey will ask players to navigate an ancient civilization all the while using the game’s gentle and serene controls. The official fact sheet for the game can be found below. Be sure to stick with PlayStation LifeStyle as we’ll try and get any additional nuggets of information that can be found at E3!

Journey™
FACT SHEET

Platform: PlayStation®3 system
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Developer: thatgamecompany
Rating: “RP” for “Rating Pending”
Release: 2011

OVERVIEW

The pioneers that brought you the award-winning PlayStation®Network titles flOw & Flower® are back with another title that challenges traditional gaming conventions. With Journey, thatgamecompany (TGC) continues its tradition of delivering simple gameplay and accessible controls in a rich interactive environment that invites players to explore and experience emotional chords that are still uncommon in video games.

An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents TGC’s unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way.

Journey’s innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience – creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.

KEY FEATURES

INTUITIVE CONTROLS AND EXPERIENCE –Players with differing skill levels and/or moods can experience the game at their own pace.
LUSH AND EXPANSIVE ENVIRONMENTS – Grand landscapes filled with dynamic sand and cloth. Fully simulated sand dunes ripple and slide as players move across them.
FRESH ONLINE ADVENTURE – Players explore a mysterious world, discovering its hidden history. People are free to travel alone, or adventure with strangers that they meet along the way.

Are Video Games a Form of Art? Yes… and No

Mike Hartnett — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:43:18 +0000

If you’ve been reading up on your gaming news over the past few days, you’ve probably read Roger Ebert’s latest comments on why he thinks video games are not art. In turn, you’ve also probably seen thatgamecompany president Kellee Santiago’s rebuttal, with both sides making some excellent points. But when looking at the facts, can we really disagree with Roger Ebert?

I am honestly remorseful at the idea that I can’t really disagree with Mr. Ebert, but there are two small words that gamers and naysayers alike seem to overlook in his argument… ‘in principle’. These two words, in all honesty, are the reason why Ebert is essentially off the hook, but only to an extent.

Both Ebert and Santiago have gone back and forth regarding how real art is defined through a unique type of experience. Well, at this point, the definition of experience is called into question. Santiago used Wikipedia’s definition of experience:

Experience as a general concept comprises knowledge of or skill in or observation of some thing or some event gained through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event.

Through this definition, Santiago will inadvertently prove herself wrong. A video game cannot just be experienced, as you must perform an action (i.e. gameplay) in order to get anything out of it, controlling what happens, although one could argue that screen caps could be used as a form of art, but that’s a different story entirely.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is where Ebert, essentially, is correct that video games, in principle (and those are the key words), are not art. Ebert chose his words very carefully in his most recent article, because he knew that using the word “never” could, at some point, prove him to be wrong if video games were to take the leap into virtual reality, thus possibly rendering something that could be experienced without the need for action.

However, when looking at the dictionary definition of experience, Santiago gains a bit more leeway.

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through

From The Random House Dictionary:
to have experience of; meet with; undergo; feel

The key word here that exonerates Santiago from being incorrect in her assumption is the word ‘feel.’ The Random House Dictionary’s definition for ‘feel’ does not specify whether or not the word is referring solely to tactile forms of feeling or if it does, in fact, include emotions and changes in the way one thinks due to outside influences, whether brought on naturally or through action/reaction via a video game.

Santiago also gains more ground when we look at the definition of art.

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects

There’s no doubt that when one sits down to play a game such as Flower or Braid, one will be immediately struck by the artful utilization of 2D and 3D rendering to create an aesthetically stimulating experience, with the player’s personal tastes and interests taken into account, of course. So theoretically, the same thing could be said for any other type of video game.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the end, are video games art? Well, yes and no. In principle, no, video games are not and cannot be art in their current state–not yet, as they cannot be experienced without action from the gamer. But by definition, yes, video games are most definitely art, as they can invoke strong emotions, feelings, and intense aesthetic stimultion in those who partake in them, on a scale that few other mediums can match, especially today.

One cannot deny the reasoning behind Ebert’s argument, as it is most definitely sound when one considers how art is perceived through experience. Conversely, video games can, by definition, be defined as art through the feelings and emotions they invoke on a daily basis for millions of gamers. So before you knock either side of the argument, take the time to consider what art really is.

Do I think video games are a form of art? Yes. It really is hard to dismiss such an idea when looking at games like Flower and the immensely serene feeling that it conveys when one is playing, but until we can establish a factually sound basis for what is and what is not considered art, the debate will go on and on. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but can art be as well? I’m sure we’ll know soon enough.

Video Games Aren’t an Art Form According to Roger Ebert

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 23:30:41 +0000

For more than a decade fans of video games have tried to argue that games can be considered considered an art. Imagination, imagery and more are all found within the realm of gaming, but many critics disagree. The popular film critic Roger Ebert is an example of someone who argues against games being art, and in a recent article he went into depth about why he thinks such.

Roger Ebert has written a large article on Chicago Sun-Times arguing that video games can’t be considered a form of art. The article spans more than 20 paragraphs and includes games such as Braid and Flower as examples which he argues against. In one paragraph Ebert states the following:

Her next example is a game named “Braid” (above). This is a game “that explores our own relationship with our past…you encounter enemies and collect puzzle pieces, but there’s one key difference…you can’t die.” You can go back in time and correct your mistakes. In chess, this is known as taking back a move, and negates the whole discipline of the game. Nor am I persuaded that I can learn about my own past by taking back my mistakes in a video game. She also admires a story told between the games levels, which exhibits prose on the level of a wordy fortune cookie.

Ebert goes on to argue against the popular PS3 exclusive Flower as well:

We come to Example 3, “Flower” (above). A run-down city apartment has a single flower on the sill, which leads the player into a natural landscape. The game is “about trying to find a balance between elements of urban and the natural.” Nothing she shows from this game seemed of more than decorative interest on the level of a greeting card. Is the game scored? She doesn’t say. Do you win if you’re the first to find the balance between the urban and the natural?”

It seems as though instead of seeing unique gameplay elements and great graphical direction as art, Roger Ebert believes that these instances can be explained just as simple variances of gameplay. It is clear at this point that Ebert understands that some games are regarded as artistic feats, but can be explained merely on the surface level. He goes on to say:

Why are gamers so intensely concerned, anyway, that games be defined as art? Bobby Fischer, Michael Jordan and Dick Butkus never said they thought their games were an art form. Nor did Shi Hua Chen, winner of the $500,000 World Series of Mah Jong in 2009. Why aren’t gamers content to play their games and simply enjoy themselves?

Comparing video games to chess and sports is definitely an unexpected twist by Ebert. He clearly believes that there needs to be new level of interaction between the consumer and media which is in his opinion “lacking” in order for videogames to be considered an art form. However, even if there were that new level of integration in gameplay, Ebert believes that videogames can NEVER be art, or at least not in this lifetime. An interesting note is that Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear series, was also quoted as saying that videogames weren’t art back in 2006.

The question is, what is art? Are videogames art? Who makes the decision?

Flower Soundtrack Floating to PSN

Matt Baker — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:53:09 +0000

That Game Company’s PlayStation Network title, Flower, is one of the most unique and successful titles on the PlayStation Store. One of the aspects which made this PlayStation exclusive a success is its soothing and relaxing soundtrack. Sony plans to release it to the public soon.

Flower’s official soundtrack will be coming out this Thursday with the PlayStation Store’s regular update. Included will be eight tracks from the game and over an hour’s worth of music, all for the price of $2.99. The award-winning music composer and audio designer behind Flower’s soundtrack, Vincent Diamante, revealed some thoughts about creating the soundtrack.

Looking back, a year-plus removed from working on Flower, it’s hard for me to remember anything but wonderful times with Sony and thatgamecompany. Then I think a bit harder and remember: the fights. Not fights amongst us developers, no. Besides, that comes part and parcel in the process of game development. Rather, the fights happened within the music. All-out brawls between themes, lines, instruments, harmonies as the music struggled to find identity when Flower was just this bud of a game.

Ostensibly, I was the one in control, penning each note in my music synthesizer as environment after environment demanded score. Not just any score, though; an ambitious score where the number of instruments present in the music ultimately dictated a different perspective on the game. From that simple directive, I codified a way of writing the music that would result in the interactive score I dreamt of.

Be sure to check out the PlayStation Blog for more thoughts from Vincent Diamante.

The Top 10 Dynamic Themes for the PS3

Cameron Teague — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:06:01 +0000

During this last update to the PlayStation Store, PS3 owners received yet another edition of Pulse presented by the PlayStation Network. On this edition Sony has revealed the Top 10 most downloaded dynamic themes for the PS3. Some of these really catch your eye while others leave a lot to be desired but we will let you be the judge of that. Check out the top 10 list below.

1. LittleBigPlanet ‘Sackboy on the Run’
2. South Park
3. Heavy Rain
4. Afrika
5. Ratchet and Clank
6. Flower
7. PixelJunk Monsters
8. Pain
9. Star Trek: TOS
10. White Knight Chronicles International Edition

Uncharted 2 Receives More Awards in Vegas

Matt Baker — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:42:18 +0000

Uncharted 2 has raked in several prestigious awards in almost every gaming award ceremony, but Naughty Dog’s exclusive is not done just yet. AIAS held the 13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards show in Las Vegas. There were many notable winners at the event, but one title was dominant - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Uncharted 2 stole the limelight once again by winning 10 awards, including the coveted ‘Game of the Year.’ Activision’s Modern Warfare 2 was recognized for its online multiplayer component. Brutal Legend was characterized for its strategy gameplay elements and game soundtrack. Scribblenauts scooped a few awards, including winning ‘Outstanding Innovation in Gaming’ and ‘Portable Game of the Year’. Batman: Arkham Asylum received Outstanding Achievement in Game Design, while Flower gently floated away with the Casual Game of the Year award.

List of winners for each award below:

Overall Game of the Year
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Family Game of the Year
The Beatles: Rock Band
Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year
Brutal Legend
Outstanding Achievement in Animation
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Outstanding Achievement in Game Play Engineering
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Outstanding Character Performance
Batman: Arkham Asylum – The Joker
Outstanding Achievement in Adapted Story
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Outstanding Achievement in Original Story
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year
Dragon Age: Origins
Outstanding Innovation in Gaming
Scribblenauts
Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack
Brutal Legend
Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Adventure Game of the Year
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Sports Game of the Year
FIFA Soccer 10
Racing Game of the Year
Forza Motorsport 3
Fighting Game of the Year
Street Fighter IV
Outstanding Achievement in Online Game Play
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Action Game of the Year
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Portable Game of the Year
Scribblenauts
Outstanding Achievement in Portable Game Design
Scribblenauts
Casual Game of the Year
Flower
Social Networking Game of the Year
Farmville
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2 Leads The Nominations In BAFTA

Matt Baker — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:34:32 +0000

Nathan Drake has already struck gold with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, receiving numerous Game of the Year honors. However, don’t expect Drake to stop any time soon, as Uncharted 2 is looking to steal the show at the upcoming BAFTA Video Game Awards. Hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and partnered with GAME, the BAFTA Video Game Awards honor the greatest games of 2009.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is up for 10 nominations, including Best Action Game, Best Game, and Best Original Score. Modern Warfare 2 comes in second with eight nominations, while Batman: Arkham Asylum sneaks in with an impressive seven.

Check out the full list of nominations a the official British Academy of Film and Television Arts site.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Sony: Flower is Half-Off

The Great Thomasio — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:59:26 +0000

ThatGameCompany’s second PSN title, Flower is one the highest rated, most visually beautiful and relaxing gamers ever released on the PSN. If you missed this PSN classic, then Sony has a great deal for you, but it’s today only!

Seeing as how today is Valentine’s Day, it’s only fitting that Sony would offer you an awesome deal: Get Flower for the discounted price of $4.99 today only! Make sure you check it out before this deal ends!

Don’t believe me that Flower is worth a meager $5? Check out our review here! Not only did it receive a 5 out of 5, it also received the ‘Editor’s Choice’ honor, which is the highest score a game can receive on PlayStation LifeStyle.

So hurry on over to the PSN today and get yourself some Flower action before this deal floats away in the wind!