PlayWell Podcast #20 — Matt Nava of Abzu Swimming in Discovery

It seems like we’ve been trying to find where games and art meet for years. While this endless discussion tends to yield more questions than answers, there are some games so visually driven they are indubitably and first and foremost artistic expressions.

Matt Nava got his start with Thatgamecompany as Art Director on Flower and Journey. His work is widely known. After finishing his last project with the studio, he set out to build his own shop. Giant Squid’s first title, Abzu, just released this week, and it’s a phenomenal step in line with the tradition of composition and visual exploration that his previous work has been.

We sat down with Matt for 30 minutes to talk about how these things come together. His creative brilliance and process should not be ignored even by those who do not make games. We were lucky to chat with Matt. If you can, pick up the game before you listen. It’s worth your time and then some.