Flower – A Chat with Creative Director Jenova Chen

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On Friday, I sat down with Flower creative director Jenova Chen of thatgamecompany to talk about his studio’s upcoming game for PS3 available on PSN February 12. As you’ll see, Jenova’s quite a talented and intelligent guy — a film student and first-generation graduate of USC’s video-game design program, you can tell just how passionate he is about games and the emotions they bring out.

Jenova provides some great insight into the basics of Flower, the concept of game genres (and if Flower is creating a new relaxing style of gaming) and the inspiration behind the game’s extraordinary beauty. Plus, he drops a few hints about custom soundtracks, a secret ending and more. Take a look…

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109 Comments

3 Author Replies

  • Yes, it’s finally gonna be out. Definitely getting it on day one. Would Flower have a screen capture or a screensaver feature? It would be cool to have the game screen be my PS3 wallpaper or function as the PS3 screensaver when not in game play. Looks so pretty.

  • Started reading and couldn’t let the name Jenova get out of this alive, it’s freakin’ Jenova!…making a game…about flowers!

  • Great video, definitely getting this.

  • The game looks absolutely beautiful, I’ve been waiting for it ever since they announced it, it’s a work of art and as an artist myself I can appreciate it!!! :D

  • I really look forward to play this game. Day 1 buy!!

  • My first PSN must-have-day-1 title. Now (or rather soon) I don’t need to take my car out everytime I want to get that peaceful feeling.

  • This game is a must buy for me. I think Sony will enjoy good sales on this one. It makes me feel comfortable just staring at it.

  • What’s the matter guys, is my money not good enough for you?

    All you have to do is put out a physical copy and it’s yours!

  • you guys need to get two mics or one of those boom stick things for interviews. you and jeff both have awkward moments in these interviews. having to hole a mic up to someone for 10 minutes must get annoying lol.

    and looking forward to the game

  • If I was able to buy games for my PSN account remotely through the web, this would definitely be a day one purchase. Nonetheless, I will definitely get it when I go back home to my PS3.

    I’ve been feeling a lil bit down recently as well, I hope Jenova feels better soon.

  • Flower looks very interesting

  • Awesome, glad to find out more about the title, was a hit or miss at first, was going to wait for feedback from others, but now I’ll definitely be getting it….what do ya know, direct marketing works lol

  • Forget Flower we want Metal Gear Solid PSOne classic on the PlayStation Store!! Japan has had it since March. How about putting it on the North America store? I want Sony to take my money!!

  • Looking good guys.

    I hope Sony can keep backing more “experimental” releases like this, there’s room on PSN for all types of games/genres.

    Are ThatGameCompany a part of Sony? If not, I think you guys should snap them up, lots of talent and unique ideas :)

  • Oh hai AB =D

    I want, nay, I DEMAND that Feb 12th appears naow.

    I’m really glad there’s titles out there that’s not all about showing off the power of the PS3, but also offer some innovation (LBP, and now this).

    Made me even more sure about my choice of console.

    Keep up the good work guys =D

    Oh, and .

  • Whew great interview Mr Marbles. I’m really looking forward to picking up Flower on PSN when it releases.

    Keep up the good work on your new job!

  • Looks cool.

  • Sold! :)

  • PREEEETY

  • I’ll be buying Flower day it comes out thats for sure. It’ll hold me over until Killzone 2 drops. Whats up with Fat Princess? Is that soon or has it been pushed back?

  • Did Jenova smoke a couple of bongs before the interview? He seemed to be coughing a lot.

  • Hope they keep making games like it, Fl0w was real nice and Fl0wer looks like a huge improvement of that concept, beautiful design.

  • i’ve been wanting this one for awhile now and its getting positive feedback. day 1 buy fo sho!

    peace,
    Lh

  • i got this game preordered.

    im buying it no matter what

  • flower looks amazing =)

  • Now this is why I brought my ps3 because of sony first party exclusive, flower is a beautiful game I will be getting this another one of sony first party exclusive in february. Sony keep the games coming.

  • That was a great interview. Flower looks like a beautiful game with an original concept, and it’s one that I intend to purchase.

  • I’m so excited for flOwer! I was hooked on flOw and flOwer since I saw the first screenshot. I can’t wait to see what That Game Company comes up with next… :)

    I’ve always said flOw is a must-own, platform defining title for PS3- and I’m sure flOwer will be, as well.

  • Looks great, its nice to see something new from shooters. I actually will be getting this. Great work. I will take anything I can get my hands on to relax me while in college.

  • This game gives new meaning to the old phrase: FLOWER POWER!

    Can’t wait.

  • Flower looks amazing! Can’t wait. :)

  • Keep it up with worthwhile and interesting PSN games guys!

  • How can a game company reinvent “games”? That is unheard of! Where are the guns? Blood? Screaming and loud music? Where are the power-ups, and carnage? Oh wait, you mean this isn’t going to be a game like that? I don’t believe you Mr. Morrell or Mr. Jenova. Stop dreaming…

    Just kidding…I cannot wait to pick this up. I knew to save the PSN card I got for the holidays for something worth picking up. Well, here you go Jenova, here is my $9.99.

  • I wish the price was a little cheaper. Nobi Nobi Boy is an obvious buy, I bought Flow for $7 (and the $3 expansion) and felt a little ripped off having to pay for the rumble feature.

  • Looks great ^-^ I’ll try it out.

  • I hope that ThatGameCompany doesn’t quit making PSN exclusives after the 3rd game is made, because i enjoyed fl0w and ill be enjoying flower even more. ThatGameCompany, makes fun and relaxing games, and i couldn’t see all their hard work going to waste on the xbox…

  • @86

    The only way flOwer could pass MS certification process is if the flower petal would grab a .50 Magnum revolver along the way…

  • Can’t wait to try this out… going to be hard to play since my time is with Skate 2 and soon to be Killzone 2

    Hope this game isn’t very much I’m hearing a 9.99 price tag.

  • i am so buying this day one! jus looking at the video makes me so relaxed and amazed, i cant imagine the feeling of actually playing it!

  • a $10 price tag would be great, definately warrant a day-one purchase, looking forward to this one…

  • Looking forward to Flower.

  • I thought the interview was fine.
    The coughing makes it more “real”
    Bunch of complainers!
    Thanks Chris and Jenova!
    Keep up the good work!
    Thanks!

  • this game looks sick. i’ll probally get it for when i get tired of COD WW, to chill.

  • flOwer needs no demo, it just needs two things, to be bought and to be enjoyed (you could say experienced also)!

    It’s poetry disguised as a videogame!

  • I love the niche titles that Jenova and crew create, but do they ever desire to make a competative or more traditional game? I would love to see some outside the box thinking applied to the standard genres that we are used to.

    I am buying Flower and I will zone out in frnt my screen with it.

  • Hmm this game looks unique i might try it…if theres a demo

  • Looks awesome! Definitely a break away from what most games go by and a very nice breath of fresh air for this gamer. A day one purchase for me!

  • Everyone Who Is Going To Be Playing KZ2 Should Be Getting This Game

  • This looks great!!! I’m totally going to pick this up when it comes out. I can’t wait.

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