Dev behind acclaimed PS3 game Journey raises $7 million for next project

Thatgamecompany, the developer of 2012's critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 game Journey, has raised $7 million for its next game, which remains unannounced. In a statement on thatgamecompany's website, the company explained that the funding came from venture capital firm Capital Today and a team of other investors.

These investors, the company says, "share our vision in making meaningful interactive experiences that inspire, connect, and emotionally touch the hearts of players around the world."

Chen also said thatgamecompany has now entered "the next phase of development" on its upcoming project. The $7 million will help thatgamecompany "scale up development efforts" to allow the studio to make "the best game possible" that is in the spirit of flOw, Flower, and Journey. The funds also help thatgamecompany "begin laying the infrastructure to self-publish, market, and distribute on our own terms for this project and beyond."

Thatgamecompany's new title is going to be an "emotionally engaging experience centered around human connections for players of all ages and backgrounds." The studio says it is chomping at the bit to share more information, but this won't happen until the project gets further along in development.

In June 2012, thatgamecompany announced that it had secured $5.5 million in venture capital funding, and hoped to bring its future games to multiple platforms. Despite critical acclaim and strong sales, the company cited platform exclusivity as a factor in its financial troubles while developing Journey.