Unlocking the Sublime Through Experimentation

From Scuba Diving to Storytelling

Dallas and his team strove to evoke a sense of the sublime – that overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder – throughout the development process. They made prototype after prototype, constantly searching for ways to conjure that elusive emotional response. The end result is a game that uses a different mechanic for each of the stories it tells, creating a diverse and engaging experience that challenges the player's expectations.

In one scenario, a little girl transforms into a series of different creatures, including a cat, an owl, a shark, and a man-eating sea monster. In another, a man working at a cannery becomes lost in an internal fantasy while operating a fish-slicing machine. These imaginative and unexpected narrative moments are the product of the team's willingness to explore the "strangest, new intense experience" they can create.

Embracing the Unexpected

"If I don't see ideas that include some that are just like really out there, then we're not trying hard enough," Dallas said. He believes that the seeds of inspired creativity can often be found in the most unexpected places, and that by embracing the unfamiliar, his team can uncover new and exciting possibilities.

This mindset is evident in the development of the bird simulator prototype that Dallas started working on a couple of years after the success of "What Remains of Edith Finch." Despite his longstanding interest in birds, Dallas had no idea where the idea would take him. But by allowing himself and his team to explore the "strangeness of organic life," he was able to uncover new avenues for creative expression.

Cultivating a Culture of Creativity

This ethos is reflected in the studio's work environment, which is designed to encourage collaboration, open-mindedness, and a willingness to take risks. Dallas and his team are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, always seeking to create experiences that challenge the player's preconceptions and leave a lasting impression.

As the studio continues to work on its next project, which promises to further explore "the strangeness of organic life," it's clear that Giant Sparrow's commitment to creativity and innovation will continue to shape the future of the video game industry. By embracing the unknown and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the team at Giant Sparrow is redefining the way we think about the medium and the stories it can tell.