As a fan of thatgamecompany’s Sky: Children of the Light, I've been captivated not just by the gameplay but by its unique art style, presentation, and compelling storyline. Now, the excitement reaches new heights with the announcement of The Two Embers, the game's first-ever in-game animated feature. This project is a testament to thatgamecompany's innovative spirit, and it's set to premiere a limited in-game screening of The Two Embers: Part One starting July 21st. This silent animated feature will delve into the origins of Sky's universe.
A Bit More About the Story
The Two Embers unfolds in two parts, with Part One focusing on the intertwined journeys of two children across different times. The narrative begins with a young orphan living on the outskirts 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. Above it all, The Ruler observes the kingdom's slow decay as a dark storm looms on the horizon.
With no dialogue or voiceovers, the feature relies solely on visuals, music, and emotion to convey the depth of the child's grief and the hope brought by the manatee. Sky: Children of the Light has already given us a glimpse of The Two Embers: Part One with its official trailer:
Each week, a new chapter of the film will be unlocked within Sky Cinema, a specially built in-game movie theatre. Alongside each chapter, new in-game content will be released, allowing players to delve deeper into the story through interactive gameplay.
A Unique Way of Releasing an Animated Feature Within a Game
Instead of opting for a traditional release on a streaming platform or as a standalone film, thatgamecompany has chosen to integrate The Two Embers directly into Sky: Children of the Light. This approach not only enhances the game's immersive experience but also elevates it beyond typical gaming boundaries. The anticipation for Aurora's concert combined with this animated feature showcases thatgamecompany's commitment to pushing the envelope in transmedia storytelling.
Produced by Light & Realm in collaboration with thatgamecompany, and co-produced by Illusorium Studios and Orchid, The Two Embers represents the most ambitious project undertaken by thatgamecompany to date. If you haven't yet, be sure to explore Sky on the Google Play Store to experience this groundbreaking narrative journey firsthand.