In the world of video games, the genre known as “walking simulators” often stands out for its distinctive approach to storytelling and gameplay. Among the exemplars of this genre, the game “Journey” by Thatgamecompany (banger name by the way) is perhaps one of the most poignant and beautifully crafted. Unlike traditional games that rely on combat or complex puzzles, “Journey” offers a narrative experience that is both subtle and deeply moving, using its environment, music, and simple mechanics to tell its story.
“Journey” places players in the role of a robed figure in a vast desert, with the primary goal of reaching a distant mountain visible on the horizon. This straightforward objective sets the stage for a journey that is anything but simple, as players traverse varied landscapes from sandy dunes to snowy peaks. The game strips away conventional gaming elements like dialogue and direct interaction, opting instead to communicate its narrative through the world itself and the interactions between players.
Environmental Storytelling
I believe one of “Journey”‘s most powerful storytelling tools is its environment. Each area of the game is meticulously crafted to convey a specific tone and part of the narrative. For instance, the early stages feature vast, open deserts that evoke a sense of solitude and the grandeur of the journey ahead. As players progress, environments become more complex and sometimes foreboding, reflecting the challenges and revelations the character faces. Ruins and remnants of a lost civilization suggest a backstory without a single word being spoken, inviting players to piece together the history and significance of this world. As such, this choice of sequential ordering of the environments reflects the gamer’s connection to their characters, allowing them to slowly melt themselves into the fascinating journey
Cooperative Play and Emotional Connection
“Journey” introduces an innovative form of cooperative gameplay, where players can encounter each other randomly in the game world. Crucially, these interactions are simple and spontaneous —players can only communicate through musical chimes and movements. There’s no conversation nor passing of information. It’s almost like a reaction. Despite this simplicity, the connections formed between players can be deeply emotional. Sharing moments of discovery and helping each other navigate challenges create a sense of companionship and shared purpose, enhancing the narrative depth through purely non-verbal means. The game really dives into this aspect of non-verbalism, and actively uses music to play a crucial role in storytelling. Namely, the music responds dynamically to the player’s actions and the on-screen events, underscoring emotional highs and lows. The visual and musical elements combine to create a harmonious and immersive experience that pulls players deeper into the game’s world and its story.
Symbolism and Themes
“Journey” is rich in symbolism, from the robed figures and their scarves to the mysterious creatures encountered along the way. The lengthening of the scarf as players collect glowing symbols represents growth and empowerment, while the mountain serves as a constant reminder of the journey’s purpose. Themes of rebirth, the cycle of life, and connection permeate the experience, conveyed through the game’s climax and resolution, which are both uplifting and bittersweet. The beauty of the game is that it doesn’t make any real attempt to explain these symbolisms. Instead, user’s are left to interpret the meaning by themselves which is only fitting given the nature of the game.
Conclusion
In “Journey,” the story is told not through traditional narrative techniques but through the journey itself—each step taken is a part of the unfolding story. This minimalist approach invites players to inject their own emotions and interpretations into the experience, making each play-through uniquely personal. The game’s ability to evoke profound emotional responses through such simple, elegant means is a testament to the power of walking simulators as a storytelling medium in video games.
By focusing on atmosphere, emotional resonance, and player discovery, “Journey” transcends conventional gaming narratives and offers a profound commentary on the human experience. It exemplifies how games in the walking sim genre can be powerful forms of art, capable of touching hearts and stirring deep emotions without saying a word.
