As a dedicated fan of thatgamecompany’s Sky: Children of the Light, I've always been captivated by its distinctive art style, immersive presentation, and compelling storyline—elements that stand out even more than its gameplay. Now, thatgamecompany is set to enhance the experience with its first-ever in-game animated feature, The Two Embers, marking an exciting new chapter for the game.
Starting July 21st, players can attend a limited in-game screening of The Two Embers: Part One, a silent animated feature that delves into the origins of Sky's universe. This ambitious project by thatgamecompany promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant addition to the game.
A Bit More About the Story
The Two Embers unfolds in two parts, with Part One centering on the journeys of two children, separated by time yet connected on a profound level. The narrative begins with a young orphan living on the fringes of The Ruler’s City, a once-thriving metropolis now in decline. The child's discovery of a wounded baby manatee sets the stage for a story that explores themes of grief, loneliness, and the power of small acts of kindness. Overhead, The Ruler observes the deteriorating kingdom as a looming dark storm approaches.
Without any dialogue or voiceovers, The Two Embers relies solely on visuals, music, and emotion to convey the child's sorrow and the hopeful presence of the manatee. This approach allows for a deeply moving experience.
Sky: Children of the Light has provided a first look at The Two Embers: Part One with an official trailer, which you can watch here:
Each week, a new chapter of the film will be unlocked within Sky Cinema, an in-game movie theater created specifically for this purpose. Alongside the film, new in-game content related to each chapter will be available, allowing players to engage more deeply with the story through interactive gameplay.
A Unique Way of Releasing an Animated Feature Within a Game
Rather than releasing The Two Embers as a standalone film or on a streaming service, thatgamecompany is integrating it directly into Sky: Children of the Light. This innovative approach not only enhances the game but also elevates it to a new level of interactive storytelling. With the upcoming Aurora’s concert and now a full-fledged animated feature, Sky continues to push the boundaries of what a game can be.
The film is a collaboration between Light & Realm and thatgamecompany, co-produced by Illusorium Studios and Orchid. It represents thatgamecompany's most ambitious venture into transmedia storytelling to date. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out Sky on the Google Play Store to experience this groundbreaking project firsthand.
