In a recent revelation, Shawn Layden, former head of PlayStation, shared an intriguing detail about the creative process behind one of the console’s most iconic titles: Shadow of the Colossus. To impress Sony executives during the initial presentation of the game, the Team Ico team used music that, unbeknownst to them at the time, belonged to the theme of the movie Spider-Man by Sam Raimi, released in 2002.
Colossus, Colossus, does whatever a Colossus does
This matter has been revealed in an article titled Shadow of the Colossus: An oral history, where Layden mentions that, although the memorable melody never made it into the final product, its use as reference music could have violated certain usage rights. However, Layden believes that, since it happened 20 years ago and Sony owns the rights to Spider-Man, “there was no long-term damage.”
Shadow of the Colossus is known for its monumental scale and evocative cinematography, elements that were complemented by a soundtrack that highlights key moments and evokes heroism, although the player’s actions often sit in ambiguous morality. The music masterfully accompanies the most significant moments of the game, becoming a fundamental pillar of its experience.
Additionally, it has been revealed that a game seemingly unrelated to this concept, Battlefield 1942, served as an unexpected inspiration for the creation of Shadow of the Colossus. The idea of cooperation to face giants translated into the impressive journey that became a classic of PlayStation 2, setting a precedent in the design of narrative and visual video games.