Shadow of the Colossus has long been considered one of the most iconic and artistic video games ever made. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, and later remade for the PlayStation 4, it offers a unique, minimalist experience that focuses on exploration, emotion, and massive boss battles against towering colossi. Over the years, many gamers have wondered whether Shadow of the Colossus is available on PC, especially on Steam, the most popular digital platform for computer gaming. In this topic, we’ll explore the availability of Shadow of the Colossus on Steam, alternatives for PC players, and whether a future release might be possible.
Current Availability of Shadow of the Colossus
PlayStation Exclusivity
As of now, Shadow of the Colossus is not available on Steam. The game remains a PlayStation-exclusive title, developed by Japan Studio’s Team Ico and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Its original release was on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, followed by a remastered version for PlayStation 3 in 2011, and a full remake by Bluepoint Games for PlayStation 4 in 2018.
Because Sony owns the publishing rights to Shadow of the Colossus, the game has never officially appeared on any non-PlayStation platform, including PC. This makes it one of several beloved PlayStation titles that remain unavailable on Steam or other PC game distribution services.
No Steam Release Planned
There has been no announcement or hint from Sony or Bluepoint Games regarding a potential Steam release. While Sony has slowly begun bringing some of its exclusives to PC in recent years, Shadow of the Colossus has not been mentioned among the titles planned for porting. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Days Gone, and God of War have successfully launched on Steam, raising hope among fans but so far, Shadow of the Colossus remains absent from this trend.
Why Isn’t Shadow of the Colossus on Steam?
Ownership and Licensing
The primary reason Shadow of the Colossus is not on Steam is due to Sony’s ownership of the intellectual property. Since Sony funded and published the game, they hold full control over where it can be released. Historically, Sony has favored keeping flagship titles exclusive to encourage sales of their PlayStation consoles.
Limited Portability
Shadow of the Colossus is also a game deeply tied to its platform. The original version was designed specifically for PlayStation hardware, and the remake utilizes features unique to the PS4 system. Porting it to PC would require careful adjustments, especially to maintain the visual fidelity and unique gameplay mechanics that define the experience. While not impossible, it would involve significant development resources that may not currently be prioritized.
Alternatives for PC Players
Similar Games on Steam
Even though Shadow of the Colossus is not on Steam, there are a few titles available on PC that share similar themes and gameplay mechanics. These include:
- Praey for the Gods: A spiritual successor heavily inspired by Shadow of the Colossus, featuring large-scale boss battles and a snowy, desolate world.
- Journey: Though originally a PlayStation exclusive, Journey is now available on PC and offers a similar emotional tone and minimalist storytelling.
- ABZÛ: Created by some of the developers behind Journey, ABZÛ offers a calming exploration-based experience with artistic visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack.
PlayStation Remote Play on PC
For those who own a copy of Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 or PS5, one workaround is to use PlayStation Remote Play. This allows you to stream your PlayStation console to a PC and play your games remotely. While not the same as a native PC version, it gives PC players a chance to enjoy the game using their computer setup.
Emulation (With Limitations)
Some players turn to emulation to play older versions of Shadow of the Colossus on PC, particularly the PlayStation 2 or PS3 versions. However, emulation can be inconsistent, may require powerful hardware, and comes with legal concerns if you do not own the original game. It’s not officially supported and is considered a gray area in terms of game preservation and legality.
Could Shadow of the Colossus Come to Steam in the Future?
Sony’s Shift Toward PC Gaming
In recent years, Sony has shown increasing interest in the PC gaming market. Several former exclusives have found success on Steam, and the company has established a PC label called PlayStation PC LLC. This trend has made fans hopeful that more PlayStation games including Shadow of the Colossus might eventually come to PC platforms like Steam.
However, it is important to recognize that Sony tends to prioritize more commercially successful or newer IPs for PC releases. Shadow of the Colossus, while critically acclaimed, may not be seen as a profitable candidate for porting when compared to blockbuster franchises.
Fan Demand and Community Influence
The strong and consistent demand from the gaming community could influence Sony’s decision in the long run. If enough players express interest in seeing Shadow of the Colossus on Steam, the publisher might reconsider and pursue a PC port in the future. The success of other ported games might also encourage this possibility, especially if there is a resurgence of interest in Team Ico’s work or a new installment in the same universe.
At this time, Shadow of the Colossus is not available on Steam and there are no official announcements suggesting a PC release is coming soon. The game remains a PlayStation-exclusive title, currently playable on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 (remastered), and PlayStation 4 (remake). Despite the growing trend of Sony games making their way to PC, Shadow of the Colossus has yet to follow that path.
Still, there are ways for interested PC gamers to experience similar content or explore the game through alternative means such as Remote Play or emulation. Fans continue to hope for an official release on Steam, and as Sony continues to explore the PC market, the possibility may grow stronger in the coming years.
For now, Shadow of the Colossus remains one of the best reasons to revisit your PlayStation console and immerse yourself in a hauntingly beautiful world filled with wonder, mystery, and unforgettable colossi.