I’ve played some incredible games, with The Last of Us easily earning a spot among the greatest of all time. But while that game tugged at my heartstrings with its emotional narrative, No Man’s Sky by Hello Games amazed me for entirely different reasons.
Let’s address the unspoken issue—No Man’s Sky received mixed reviews upon its release, and I admit, I experienced a range of emotions. Part of that, I believe, was due to overselling on Sony’s part. Some features that were hyped in the trailers were not included in the game, which understandably left fans disappointed. (If you want a trip down memory lane, here’s one of the trailers: YouTube.)
But that’s not what this blog is about. Let’s not linger on hypothetical scenarios and missing features, as a far more significant aspect emerges from the midst of controversy.
A Small Team, a Big Dream
Hello Games isn’t a massive studio backed by thousands of employees. It’s a small team of about 10-18 developers. And yet, they accomplished something jaw-dropping:
- A Universe Beyond Imagination
The game boasts a procedurally generated universe with over 18 quintillion planets. Yes, quintillion. If you tried to visit every single planet, you’d need roughly 5 billion years—longer than the Earth has existed. - Planets with Depth and Detail
Each planet isn’t just a generic sphere. They’re massive, with unique ecosystems, weather patterns, and even cave systems that run beneath the surface. - Unique Life Forms and Sounds
Each planet’s flora and fauna are procedurally generated, ensuring that each discovery is truly unique. Even the sounds creatures make are algorithmically created. - Seamless Exploration
One of my favourite things? No loading screens when transitioning between planets. You can fly into space, find another world, and land—all without a single loading bar interrupting your adventure.
And that’s only the beginning.
Despite experiencing a challenging launch, Hello Games remained resilient. They’ve been rolling out updates that not only address player concerns but also add exciting new features. The game is a testament to the team’s resilience, creativity, and relentless belief in their vision.
So, are they the greatest game developers today? I can’t definitively say. But I can tell you this: their passion and determination are something to admire.
The Real Takeaway
If this blog has a point, it’s this: anything is possible when you have self-belief, confidence, and drive. Hello Games turned a dream into a universe, proving that even the smallest team can create something monumental.
And isn’t that a lesson we all could use?
