Another World

Overview

Another World (known as Out of This World in North America) arrived in 1991 as a singular vision. Eric Chahi spent two years alone creating a game that rejected conventional design: no score, no HUD, no dialogue. Just a physicist stranded on an alien world, communicated entirely through animation and body language.

Fast facts

Developer: Delphine Software (Eric Chahi solo).
Development time: approximately 2 years.
Engine: custom vector graphics system.
Original platform: Amiga (1991).

Technical approach

Chahi used vectors instead of bitmaps:

Technique	Benefit
Vector graphics	Smooth scaling, small memory
Rotoscoping	Fluid, realistic animation
Polygon rendering	Cinematic camera angles
No traditional sprites	Unified visual style

Cinematic design

The game pioneered techniques now standard:

No HUD: health and state communicated visually
Cutscene integration: seamless transitions
Camera work: dramatic angles, zooms
Environmental storytelling: no text needed

Gameplay

Despite cinematic presentation, demanding gameplay:

Trial-and-error progression
Precise timing requirements
Puzzle-solving through observation
Companion AI cooperation

Development

Chahi worked in isolation:

Custom tools for vector animation
Rotoscoped his own movements
Composed music and sound
Published through Delphine Software

Ports

Platform	Year	Notes
Amiga	1991	Original
Atari ST	1991	Contemporary port
SNES	1992	Interplay
Mega Drive	1992	Additional content
3DO	1994	Enhanced graphics
Modern	2006+	Anniversary editions

Influence

Another World inspired:

Flashback (Delphine, more elaborate)
Ico and Team Ico’s work
Limbo and Inside
Cinematic indie games broadly

Legacy

The game demonstrated:

Solo developers could create visionary works
Games could be art without compromising gameplay
Cinematic and interactive weren’t mutually exclusive

Cinematic gaming redefined