10 Times Video Games Embraced Their Glitches

5. Journey - Climactic Ending

In 2012, Thatgamecompany’s Journey glided wistfully onto our consoles. The indie gem managed to solidify its place amongst AAA giants to become a much loved and talked about game, which is somewhat ironic given that the game itself features no dialogue whatsoever. The main premise is simple: you play as a cloaked being who is trying to get to the top of a mountain.

Throughout the game, players meander through vast open deserts and dark caves, all set to a sweeping score. The (ahem) journey the game takes you on culminates in an end scene that sees the robed protagonist walk toward a bright light until they’re no longer visible. The scene is an emotional crescendo built up by hours of witnessing the character’s perseverance in reaching the mountain top. The idea for the end scene came about when a test of the game completely crashed and the emotionally invested tester burst into tears, thinking his character had died.