Ian Dallas, the founder and creative director of the video game studio Giant Sparrow, believes that true creativity requires pushing the boundaries of what's possible. His design philosophy, which he likens to his adventurous culinary tastes, is all about seeking out the most unique and intense experiences. This mindset has led to the creation of some of the most innovative and captivating games of the past decade, including the critically acclaimed "What Remains of Edith Finch."

Unlocking the Sublime Through Experimentation

From Scuba Diving to Storytelling

Giant Sparrow's most recent release, "What Remains of Edith Finch," is a testament to the studio's commitment to exploring the boundaries of narrative and game design. The game, which tells a collection of short stories about a cursed family of storytellers, began as a prototype for a scuba diving simulator. Through a process of experimentation and iteration, the team at Giant Sparrow transformed the initial concept into a unique and deeply affecting experience.

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

Dallas's approach to game development can be summed up as a relentless pursuit of experimentation within a given set of parameters. He encourages his team to push the boundaries of what's possible, even if it means exploring ideas that may not seem promising at first glance.

"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

At the heart of Giant Sparrow's approach to game development is a deep commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation. Dallas encourages his team to embrace their curiosity and to never be afraid of failure, as he believes that the most innovative ideas often emerge from unexpected places.

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.