Interactive Experiences: Jenova Chen

Design Methodology

Chen's design methodology centres on what he calls "emotion-driven design." Unlike traditional game design, which begins with mechanics or stories, Chen starts by identifying the core emotional experience he wants players to have. This approach was developed while studying at the University of Southern California's Interactive Media Program and refined through his thesis work on Flow Theory in games.

His methodology involves three key stages: emotional mapping, mechanical exploration, and visual development. In emotional mapping, Chen and his team create detailed charts of the intended player's emotional journey, marking key moments of tension and release. This becomes the foundation for all subsequent design decisions.

Key Resources:

• Flow in Games (Chen's Original Thesis)

• Journey and the Art of Emotional Game Design: The Guardian

• Jenova Chen

Iterative Design Process

Chen's iterative design process is notably different from traditional game development cycles. Each iteration focuses on emotional impact rather than feature completion. For Journey, the team went through over 12 major iterations of the multiplayer system alone, each time measuring how effectively it created feelings of connection between players.

The process typically involves:

1. Rapid prototyping of core emotional experiences

2. Extensive playtesting with diverse player groups

3. Emotional response measurement and analysis

4. Refinement based on observed player reactions

5. Integration of successful elements into larger game systems

Key Resources:

• Journey Development Theories

• Designing for Social Play in Sky: Children of the Light

• Integrating Flow: Extract from Chen's Thesis

• Chen on Development & Prototyping of flOw for PSP

Aesthetic Approach (Visual Language)

Chen's visual language is characterized by minimalism and symbolic representation. His games avoid explicit text or traditional UI elements, instead relying on universal visual symbols and environmental cues to guide players. This approach is evident in both Journey's sand-swept vistas and Sky's cloud-filled realms.

The visual language emphasizes:

• Clean, uncluttered compositions

• Strong silhouettes and shapes

• Dynamic movement and flow

• Emotional colour palettes

• Environmental storytelling

His use of design elements and principles is carefully calculated to support the intended player experience. For example, in Journey, scale is used to create feelings of awe and insignificance, while in Sky, the unity creates a sense of community and belonging.

Key considerations include:

• Balance between simplicity and detail

• Use of scale to create emotional impact. Negative space creates asymmetrical balance in scenes with large, open spaces. 

• Repetition and lines are used to create rhythm in movement and progression

Key Resources:

• Design Principles in Journey

• Sky: Children of the Light Review

• How 'That Game Company' helped forge the cosy game genre

Colour

Chen's approach to colour theory is deeply rooted in emotional psychology. His games use colour not just for aesthetic appeal, but as a primary tool for emotional storytelling. In Journey, the colour palette progresses from warm desert tones to cool underground shades, reflecting the player's emotional journey. Each environment's colours are carefully chosen to evoke specific emotional responses.

The colour strategy involves:

• Emotional colour mapping for game progression

• Use of colour intensity to guide player attention

• colour harmony to create mood and atmosphere

• Strategic use of contrast for dramatic moments

• Integration of light and colour for environmental storytelling

Key Resources:

• Interactive Story Telling in Flower

• Jenova Chen is Still Trying to Convince the World that Video Games are Art: Vice Mag

Roles & Relationships

At thatgamecompany, roles are fluid and interconnected. Chen advocates for a flat hierarchy where ideas can come from anyone on the team. The studio maintains a core team of under 20 people, with each member often wearing multiple hats during development.

The organization structure includes:

• Cross-functional teams

• Collaborative decision-making processes

• Flexible role definitions

• Strong emphasis on communication

• Regular team feedback sessions

Key Resources:

• thatgamecompany Studio Culture

• Team Structure Analysis

• Development Team Dynamics

Chen's approach to collaboration extends beyond the immediate development team. The studio maintains strong relationships with platform holders, technical partners, and the player community. These relationships are characterized by long-term commitment and shared creative vision.

Key collaborative aspects include:

• Platform partnerships (Sony, Apple)

• Technical collaborations

• Community engagement

• Academic partnerships

• Industry knowledge sharing

Key Resources:

• Sony Partnership Analysis

• Apple Arcade Collaboration

• Industry Collaboration Case Study

Stakeholder Management

Chen's approach to stakeholder management balances creative integrity with commercial viability. The studio maintains transparent communication with investors, platform holders, and the player community, while protecting the core creative vision.

Stakeholder considerations include:

• Investor relations and reporting

• Platform holder requirements

• Community expectations

• Technical partner needs

• Environmental impact

Key Resources:

• Business Development Strategy

• Stakeholder Communication

• Community Management Approach