The Sword of the Sea creator has finally opened up about the incredible journey from working on the beloved indie hit Journey to founding his own studio and nearly losing everything in the process. Matt Nava, the art director behind Journey’s iconic visual style, has been through quite the rollercoaster since leaving Thatgamecompany.
From Journey’s Heights to Starting Over
When Matt Nava decided to leave Thatgamecompany after Journey’s massive success, he wasn’t just walking away from a hit game – he was stepping into the unknown. The Sword of the Sea creator founded Giant Squid Studios with a vision to continue creating those meditative, beautiful gaming experiences that made Journey so special.
But here’s what most people don’t know: it almost didn’t work out.
The Studio That Almost Wasn’t
Giant Squid has been operating on a knife’s edge for years. Despite creating critically acclaimed games like Abzu and The Pathless, the studio faced serious financial struggles. Nava recently revealed that PlayStation essentially saved both the game and the company itself.
“We’ve had some really fantastic partners over at PlayStation Indies program who believed in this project from the very beginning and when times got tough they came in and they saved us, basically,” Nava explained.
This kind of corporate support is exactly what indie studios need to survive in today’s challenging gaming landscape.
What Makes Sword of the Sea Special
The latest creation from the Sword of the Sea creator isn’t just another Journey clone – though the similarities are definitely there. The game takes everything that made Journey magical and adds its own unique twist.
Players glide across vast desert landscapes with a sword, but here’s the catch: your mission is to transform this sea of sand into an actual sea of water. It’s a concept that sounds simple but creates some truly breathtaking moments.
Key Features That Stand Out:
- Fluid movement mechanics that feel like skating across silk
- No combat system – your sword is for transformation, not destruction
- Hidden treasures and collectibles scattered throughout
- Achievement system that unlocks new abilities
- Free on PlayStation Plus (limited time)
The Journey Connection Players Are Loving
Gaming communities are calling Sword of the Sea a spiritual successor to both Journey and Abzu. The game captures that same meditative quality that made Journey such a special experience, but with its own identity.
One player described it perfectly: “Imagine blending Journey and Flower together; that’s what this game offers. It showcases beauty in its purest essence.”
The Sword of the Sea creator has managed to recapture that lightning in a bottle feeling that made Journey so memorable, while adding enough new elements to keep things fresh.
What This Means for Indie Gaming
Nava’s story highlights both the potential and the precarious nature of indie game development. Even with previous success and critical acclaim, studios like Giant Squid can find themselves struggling to survive.
The fact that PlayStation stepped in to save the project shows how important platform holders can be in supporting creative vision over guaranteed profits. It’s the kind of partnership that allows unique games like Sword of the Sea to exist.
The Future Looks Bright
With Sword of the Sea now successfully launched and receiving positive reception from players, Giant Squid seems to have found its footing again. The game is available on multiple platforms and has been praised for its stunning visuals and peaceful gameplay.
The Sword of the Sea creator and his team have proven that there’s still room in gaming for quiet, contemplative experiences that prioritize beauty and emotion over action and competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Sword of the Sea creator?
Matt Nava is the creative director and founder of Giant Squid Studios who created Sword of the Sea. He previously worked as the art director on Journey at Thatgamecompany.
Is Sword of the Sea made by the same people who made Journey?
Not exactly. While Matt Nava worked on Journey as the art director, Sword of the Sea is made by his new studio Giant Squid, not the original Journey developers at Thatgamecompany.
How long is Sword of the Sea?
The game is similar in length to Journey and Abzu, offering a shorter but more focused experience compared to Giant Squid’s previous game The Pathless.
Is Sword of the Sea free on PlayStation?
Yes, Sword of the Sea is currently available free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, though this may be a limited-time offer.
What other games has Giant Squid made?
Giant Squid Studios previously created Abzu (2016) and The Pathless (2020) before releasing Sword of the Sea in 2024.
Will there be more games like Journey from Matt Nava?
Based on Giant Squid’s track record and the success of Sword of the Sea, it’s likely that Matt Nava will continue creating meditative, artistic gaming experiences in the future.
Conclusion
The story of the Sword of the Sea creator is ultimately one of perseverance and artistic vision. Matt Nava’s journey from Journey to near-bankruptcy to redemption shows that even in the challenging world of indie game development, there’s still room for developers who prioritize beauty and emotion over market trends.
Sword of the Sea stands as proof that sometimes the best games come from developers who refuse to compromise their vision, even when times get tough.