Jenova Chen recognized as top young innovator by Technology Review

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 27th 2008 at 12:00PM }

One of the founders of thatgamecompany, the team behind flOw and the upcoming Flower, has been recognized by Technology Review's TR35 awards. Jenova Chen is being called a "top young innovator" for his work on game design, focusing on how "gaming can be an emotional journey for many different audiences and not just an aggressive experience for young males."

"Jenova Chen exemplifies what it means to be an innovator. He pushes the boundaries of his industry, questioning assumptions about what gaming can be. Because of his breakthrough vision, the impact from his approach to gaming will be felt for generations to come," said Krisztina "Z" Holly, USC Vice Provost for Innovation and Executive Director of the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation.

The upcoming flOwer took multiple accolades at E3, including our own award for Best PSN Game. Gamespot also awarded it Best Downloadable Game and Best Graphics.

Gallery: Flower

Tags: flower, jenova-chen, technology-review, thatgamecompany, tr35

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

frankym @ Aug 27th 2008 12:15PM

Man....all I keep hearing is absolutely stellar previews of this game. Must be really, really good.

Lars @ Aug 27th 2008 5:12PM

I'm still withholding judgment. It seems like the same concept behind flow, but with plants instead of aquatic creatures. Looks good though, and I'll definitely buy it no matter what... but it just doesn't look innovative to me.

reson8er @ Aug 27th 2008 12:19PM

Do we have any idea of when flower will be released?

ultimateidiot911 @ Aug 27th 2008 12:48PM

flower can't come out soon enough.

Gambit07 @ Aug 27th 2008 12:56PM

He deserves it, can't wait.

paul @ Aug 27th 2008 1:34PM

i whole heartly agree, i think that they are true innovators. but i should mention that the creators of fl0w are USC alum.

jarhead906 @ Aug 27th 2008 1:38PM

Yes it looks stunning with its visuals, but gameplay seems to be non-existent. Whats the plot/purpose? My first PSN game was flOw, and let me tell you it was pointless. You 'evolve' your creature by eating other creatures one level at a time with the Sixaxis controls. Other than that, you can't really call that a game. Sorry.
I want my $7 back.

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 27th 2008 1:52PM

Flower is a lot more ambitious. Trust us on that.

Lars @ Aug 27th 2008 5:20PM

I agree somewhat. The argument Jenova Chen presented was that somewhere between "loss of interest" and "adrenaline rush" is a chill zone dubbed "flow." I think there's already a name for that zone: boredom.

But once I found out that you can unlock a bunch of creatures, it became more of a fun game to me.