Former thatgamecompany art director Matt Nava and composer Austin Wintory are once again combining their powerful forces of creativity on an exquisitely beautiful underwater adventure game for PlayStation 4 and PC titled Abzû, their first project together at fledgling indie studio Giant Squid. 505 Games has signed on as the publisher.
Nava and Wintory previously worked on and played prominent roles in the design and success of PS3 title Journey, so it’s no coincidence that Abzû, meaning “ocean of wisdom,” has similar traits as thatgamecompany’s modern digital download classic. The deeply immersive atmosphere, the grand sense of exploration, the breathtaking artistry — Abzû appears to have it all.
Notice earlier how I stated the game is coming to PS4 and PC? The game was revealed during Sony’s E3 press conference, but at this time it’s merely console exclusive to PS4. Unlike Journey, PC gamers will get to enjoy the wonder and beauty of what Nava and Wintory can create together (along with a team of other designers, of course.)
Abzû is a long ways off from its projected launch in 2016 (yes, 2016!), which means there is a whole lot Giant Squid still isn’t revealing about the story and gameplay. But that’s okay, because the early glimpse provided by the E3 reveal trailer is really all you should need to see in order to get hyped for this one.