This PlayStation2 European launch video was seen by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe as their most successful commissioned branding video to date. It had to communicate technical features while being striking, and hitting exactly the right tone, for the huge European PlayStation2 launch. Custom visuals, editing, effects, and specially-commissioned soundtrack were employed to create a visceral 12-minute opus designed to make an impact in PS2 PR and industry environments. The consoles signature chroma blue was used to glue the treated gameplay sequences with 3D renders of the console. A cut-down version of Voyage of Emotion was included with every European console, on the demo disc shipped with the unit.
With a brief to transcend traditional formats and brand videos, Voyage of Emotion was a radical departure from previous work of this nature. The core concept was based on the system’s emotion engine, and the intensity elicited by the software. It encompassed the ideas of a next-gen PlayStation2 through a fast-paced, ultra-modern graphic montage with specially-commissioned soundtrack. I created core creative concepts and visual ideas for the video, acting as co-creative director and producer on the project. I approached the project from the point of view of creating an independent creative work, rather than a subordinate montage of gameplay shots. The idea of emphasising hyperreal cinematic effects was developed, with key sections of visceral game character movement being enhanced through time slice and smearing effects.
Other work for SCEE as part of this project package included event visuals for their major annual UK industry party at ECTS.
Production: onedotzero.
Design/editing: state.
Music: Nick Ryan