Grad-School Thesis Becomes PS3 Game

Carl Bialik from WSJ writes, "USC student Jenova Chen's Flash game, 'flOw,' attracted interest from Sony, which commissioned an enhanced version that will be sold through its PlayStation Network, WSJ.com reports. From the article: 'Gameplay is incredibly smooth, particularly for a Flash game. But it's the design touches that set flOw apart. Players will notice faint outlines of the creatures lurking at lower depths, a foreboding sign that vicious manta- and squid-like enemies await. The water darkens as the creature advances to deeper levels. The game's ambient sound is somewhat hypnotic. The intuitive controls and design simplicity are among Mr. Chen's mandate: build immersive games for people who don't consider themselves gamers. 'My parents and grandparents don't play games. My girlfriend, she doesn't play either,' he says. 'I want to make games that those people can appreciate.'"

"My girlfriend, she doesn't play either."

[Anonymous Coward]

No wonder he has the time to create games. Poor bastard.

You want your grandparents to game?

[PaulB007]

For the grandparents, try suggesting "The Depression: Revisited" It will be an MMORPG based on the hardships of 30's living. You will get to experience the thrills, and the excitement of living in this time. You can choose to live in a Hooverville, even better, work someones field for them at a nickle an hour, and maybe you will be able to buy a few pieces of bread to keep your character alive. Feel the excitement of jumping onto a train! If you miss, well your fault. Blood and gore of bodies cut in half by the trains. Go to work in a factory! You can start producing weapons to bring back those good time memories of the beginning of World War II.

I'm still trying to decode the secret website

[CrazyJim1]

Iloveflowbees.com

Re:Good

[Redlazer]

Yeah, im really glad the PS3 doesnt focus on having the best graphics. I mean, with an innovative, never before seen motion sensitive controller, the SIXAXIS, and its small size and low price, the PS3 is clearly the "lets all get together and have fun" system. Someone call Grandma, i think she'd like to play Call of Duty.

Clearly, the Nintendo Wii, with its copy-catted motion sensitive controller design, and being overly concerned with having "next gen" graphics, as well as many other "gimmicks", i can see the Wii flailing about like the PSP ad.

Ok, that was all pretty harsh. I did play fl0w (it was availble for the PC for a while), and it was very good. Im not sure if it was the full version or not, but it was quite short and i couldnt really imagine buying it.

Oh, and uhh, down with Sony and all that obligatory ranting.

-Red

Re:I've Always Wanted to Say This...

[i.of.the.storm]

How ironic... post screaming DUPE gets modded redundant.

Also for PS3's "older crowd"...

[Kadin2048]

I think my folks are holding out for the action-packed title "When I Was Your Age: Walking Home From School In the Snow, Uphill, Both Ways".

It's a sort of FPS/RTS hybrid game. The atmospherics alone are going to blow your mind.

Re:Squid???

[aldo.gs]

Well... perhaps it may work with your girlfriend: "Keep going, and reach the GIANT SQUID!" (of course most probably we're exaggerating here...)

Re:"My girlfriend, she doesn't play either."

[stud9920]

I bet she does ! Nudge, nudge, Know what I mean?

Re:Good

[Fred_A]

And it can be used to press wild flowers
And you can build houses out of it (if you buy enough units)
And "PS3" upside down looks like "ESd"
*And* it fits in your pocket ! (if you have very large pockets)

What a deal !

Re:"My girlfriend, she doesn't play either."

[Jearil]

Unfortunately no. *sighs*