One of the most beautiful games from last year was Journey from developer Thatgamecompany. And now that studio’s art director is off starting his own company.
Matt Nava launched developer Giant Squid yesterday, according to GamesIndustry. Nava previously acted as art director at Thatgamecompany. He’s working with Journey’s Grammy-winning composer, Austin Wintory, and Flow designer Nicholas Clark on the new venture.
“We plan to create innovative and deeply moving games that will inspire players, challenge convention, and push the boundaries of experiential and narrative interactive entertainment into new and unexpected areas,” said Nava.
The Santa Monica-based developer is currently hiring for its first project. According to Nava, the ideal candidate loves playing with Lego and the Angelina Jolie film Hackers.
Nava started at Thatgamecompany in 2008. He oversaw the visuals for both Flower and Journey.
Journey producer Kellee Santiago also left Thatgamecompany in March 2012. She now works on the Android console Ouya as the director of developer relations.