Tag Archives: Journey

Train2Game News Max an Autistic Journey

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GPAC, LLC and Professional Imagination announce the launch of  Max, an Autistic Journey for Windows PC on Steam and other major digital distribution channels. Available now with a week-long 10% discount off the game’s SRP of $5.99.

Developer Stéphane Cantin will be donating a percentage of his proceeds from  Max, an Autistic Journey to the Miriam Foundation, a charitable organization that helps people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives.

“It has always been my intention to donate part of the sales from ‘Max’ to a worthy charity, so have been looking around at various organizations for some time now. I originally learned of the Miriam Foundation when they contacted me about the potential of using the Pictograms I created for the game in some of their outreach. As I worked with them in adapting the Pictos I realized the charity I was looking for found me! From their staff, to all that they do, I really appreciate and support their efforts.”

–          Stéphane Cantin

Max, an Autistic Journey is a retro-style RPG where the player assumes the role of Max, an imaginative ten-year-old, that has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Traversing Max’s home, school and wild imagination players will find ways to deal with the seemingly insurmountable challenges and frustrations of everyday life. Regardless where you fall in the spectrum of life,  Max, an Autistic Journey delivers an entertaining, imaginative and informative adventure where the visualization of the beasts may be fantasy, the emotions and frustrations they represent are very real.

LAUNCH TRAILER: https://youtu.be/celKij1T4zo

IN FACT, FEATURES!

    Classic turn-based battle system featuring clever weapons and special abilities to confront monstrous manifestations of emotions and anxieties

    Gain experience points through imaginary toy battles and by confronting your fears and anxieties to level up

    Core retro RPG mechanics infused with multiple Mini Games such as picture puzzles, race cars and making music

    Endearing tale of trials and tribulations from a unique perspective that inspires, educates and entertains as the story unfolds

    Mouse & Keyboard as well as Full Controller Support

    Steam Achievements, Cloud Save Support and Trading Cards.

Max, an Autistic Journey is now available for Windows PC at 10% off of the Suggested Retail Price of $5.99 on Steam, Green Man Gaming, Gamersgate, Bundle Stars and other major digital distribution channels.

To learn more about the Miriam Foundation and the great work they do please visit their website miriamfoundation.ca.

Train2Game news: How testing changed Journey after leaving producer ‘disappointed in mankind’

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Train2Game students who want to see the impact testing can have on a game in development need look no further than PlayStation 3 title Journey.

Why? Because in an interview with Siliconera, Thatgamecompany’s Robin Hunicke reveals Journey previously allowed more physical interaction between players, but it resulted in them trying to kill each other, something that left her ‘disappointed in mankind’

“We were doing play tests, where we invited players to come in and play the game. However, instead of cooperating and building a relationship each other, the players just kept attacking each other and pushing each other into the pit.” said Hunicke.

“At the time, I was very disappointed in mankind; we designed all the settings so they will help each other, but they still just kill each other, as if they don’t have any morality at all.”

The Journey produced added that she spoke to a child psychologist about the issue.

“When these guys enter the game, it’s a virtual space–reality does continue into it. When that happens, they become kids, and don’t know what they’re doing is bad. In that situation, the best way to handle that isn’t to shout or hit them, but to offer feedback.”  she told her.

So Hunicke decided to remove physics from Journey to encourage players to co-operate rather than hinder each other.

“So when I went back to the prototype, we removed the physics so they couldn’t push each other into the pit.” she said.

The Train2Game Blog has previously reported on Thatgamecompany’s views that testing is an integral part of game development. You can also get an insight into life at the studio and the development of Journey in this developer diary.

So, what are your thoughts on the impact playtesting had on Journey? Is it something you often do with your own games?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Go behind the scenes of Journey in thatgamecompany developer diary

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Train2Game students can go behind the scenes of Journey in a developer diary from thatgamecompany.

Journey is a PlayStation 3 downloadable title, that sees plays go on a mystical adventure. In the world of Journey, it’s entirely possible to encounter others playing the game, but there’s no way of voice or text communication, and you’ll never know who they actually are.

The developer diary details the story behind Journey, how it came to have its distinct artistic style, why there is no communication and more.

Watch the video from thatgamecompany below, right here on The Train2Game Blog.

Journey is available now to PlayStation Plus subscribers and from 14th March if you’re not.

Thatgamecompany previously produced much praised indie title Flower, and as previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, studio co-founder Kellee Santiago says testing is an integral part of their game development.

So Train2Game, have you played Journey, if so what are your thoughts? And what insights have you gained from the developer diary?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.