Sky (video game)


Sky: Children of the Light is a social indie adventure game developed and published by Thatgamecompany. It was first released for iOS on July 18, 2019. An Android version was later released on April 7, 2020, with a Nintendo Switch version to soon follow in summer of 2020.

Gameplay

In Sky: Children of the Light, the player explores a magical kingdom using a cape that gives them the ability to fly. There are seven unique realms to visit, and each one is themed around a different stage of life. In addition to these realms, there is a Home that serves as a hub between the different realms. Throughout the game, the player will encounter "spirits" that give the player cosmetic and gameplay-affecting items in return for in-game currency. The player can also find "lost stars" that give the player "winged light". When the player has collected enough winged light, their cape level goes up, increasing their maximum "wing energy" and allowing them to fly farther.
The game features a heavy focus on social mechanics. Players are able to meet and befriend one another, and can unlock new abilities such as chat and sending gifts as their friendship grows. There are also many cosmetic items to collect including capes, masks, hairstyles, hats, pants, playable musical instruments, expressions, and more. These items can be obtained using in-game currency.

Reception

awarded the game an 81 out of 100 based on 17 reviewers, as well as awarding it the number one shared iOS game of 2019, number five most discussed iOS game of 2019, and number 12 best iOS game of 2019. Gameinformer scored the game a 8.5 out of 10 stating "Sky is a refreshingly moving and robust game on the iOS platform, and one best shared with others – especially folks who might not normally pick up a video game." Gamespot scored the game a 8 out of 10, giving exceptional praise to the visuals, animations and musical scores, however admitting that "return visits to previous environments aren't nearly as captivating as your first trip". IGN scored the game a 8.5 out of 10, likening the game to its predecessor as "a bigger and bolder follow-up that expands on what made Journey so great." Destructoid, like many other reviewers praised how it's a game that "most everyone should experience", was however highly critical of the touch controls and the lack of control it gave of your character, going as far to suggest that "most everyone should wait for a console or PC release" to play the game.

Accolades

The game won Apple's iPhone game of the year for 2019. On July 8 2020, Thatgamecompany announced that the game had surpassed 20 million downloads.
YearAwardCategoryResultRef
20192019 Golden Joystick AwardsMobile Game of the Year
2019The Game Awards 2019Best Mobile Game
2020New York Game AwardsA-Train Award for Best Mobile Game
2020Pocket Gamer Mobile Games AwardsGame of the Year
2020Pocket Gamer Mobile Games AwardsBest Audio/Visual Accomplishment
2020Pocket Gamer Mobile Games AwardsPocket Gamer People's Choice
202023rd Annual D.I.C.E. AwardsPortable Game of the Year
2020NAVGTR AwardsGame, Original Family
2020NAVGTR AwardsOriginal Light Mix Score, New IP
2020Game Developers Choice AwardsBest Mobile Game
2020Game Developers Choice AwardsAudience Award
2020SXSW Gaming AwardsMobile Game of the Year
202018th Annual G.A.N.G. AwardsBest Music for an Indie Game
202018th Annual G.A.N.G. AwardsBest Sound Design in a Casual/Social Game
202018th Annual G.A.N.G. AwardsBest Music in a Casual Game
202018th Annual G.A.N.G. AwardsBest Original Song
2020Webby AwardApps, Mobile, and Voice: Best Visual Design - Aesthetic
2020Apple Design AwardsOutstanding Design and Innovation