Update: The original article stated that Sky is an iOS exclusive, but the title will actually be a timed-exclusive on select Apple devices. Sky will arrive on currently unnamed platforms at a time that's still to be determined. The following article has been updated to reflect this.

While consumers the world over tuned in to see the reveal of the new iPhone 8 and iPhone X, gamers were also treated to a surprise unveiling in the form of a brand new and iOS timed-exclusive from Thatgamecompany. Indeed, the developer known for critically praised projects like Journey, Flower, and FlOw has been hard at work on a new piece of software for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV known as Sky.

Showcased during the Apple TV portion of the product reveal, Sky looks to be a multiplayer experience similar to Journey, albeit with an emphasis on having users soar across beautifully rendered clouds and mountains in lieu of deserts. Thatgamecompany's creative lead and studio CEO, Jenova Chen, stepped on stage during the Apple conference to show off the forthcoming project before confirming plans to release it at some point this winter.

Following the game's debut, Thatgamecompany took to its official blog to reveal more details on Sky, providing hopeful players with a better picture of what the final experience will entail.

"Sky has been a few years in the making.  After the release of Journey, so many fans wrote to tell us how much they enjoyed playing the game with their spouse, children or loved ones, and asked if we could create a game where they could play together.  We wanted as many people to love games, and so we were encouraged to explore this idea at thatgamecompany.  Which brings our games, for the first time, to mobile – a platform that many have access to, the world over.

"It’s hard to explain the game, but a good place would be to say that Sky is a game specially created to be played, and shared, among loved ones and family.  If you can imagine the delight of visiting a theme park where lasting memories are made, we envision Sky will sometimes feel like that."

Much like previous works by the studio, Sky looks to be a very unique experience for any hardware – let alone iOS devices. The way in which co-op multiplayer has seemingly been integrated into the overall experience is also a noteworthy rarity for mobile titles, and it'll be very interesting to see how the final product pans out (and how much data will be consumed during online play with friends).

Sky is set to arrive as a timed-exclusive for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV this winter. Other platforms and release dates are TBD.

Source: Thatgamecompany