As a devoted fan of thatgamecompany's Sky: Children of the Light, I'm thrilled by the game's unique art style, presentation, and compelling storyline, which have captivated me more than the gameplay itself. The excitement is building as Sky gears up for its first-ever in-game animated feature, The Two Embers, marking a significant milestone for thatgamecompany. The premiere of The Two Embers: Part One, a silent animated feature that delves into the origins of Sky, is set for a limited in-game screening starting July 21st.
The Two Embers unfolds in two parts, with Part One focusing on the journeys of two children separated by time yet connected in profound ways. The narrative begins with a young orphan living on the fringes of The Ruler's City, a once-thriving place now crumbling under the weight of decay. The story takes a poignant turn when the child discovers a wounded baby manatee, leading to an exploration of themes such as grief, loneliness, and the power of small acts of kindness. Above it all, The Ruler observes the kingdom's decline as a menacing storm looms on the horizon.
Without dialogue or voiceovers, the feature relies solely on visuals, music, and emotional depth to convey the child's journey through grief, with the manatee symbolizing a ray of hope amidst despair. Sky: Children of the Light has released the first look at The Two Embers: Part One, which you can view below.
Each week, a new chapter of the film will be unlocked within Sky Cinema, an in-game theater designed specifically for this experience. Alongside each chapter, new in-game content will be released, allowing players to explore the story more deeply through interactive gameplay.
Instead of opting for a traditional release on a standalone platform or streaming service, thatgamecompany is pioneering a new approach by integrating the film directly into the game. This innovative move elevates Sky beyond a mere game, enhancing its immersive world. With the upcoming Aurora's concert and now a full-fledged animated feature, thatgamecompany is pushing the boundaries of transmedia storytelling to new heights.
The film is a collaborative effort, produced by Light & Realm with thatgamecompany, and co-produced by Illusorium Studios and Orchid. This ambitious project is likely the most significant endeavor thatgamecompany has undertaken in terms of expanding its narrative universe. If you haven't yet experienced Sky, you can explore it on the Google Play Store.