Lecture Notes: The Sound of Falling Giants - Hedonic and Eudaimonic Tensions in Shadow of the Colossus

Introduction

• Presenter: Acknowledgment to NAC VGM committee for the invitation.
• Topic: Analysis of hedonic and eudaimonic tensions in the music of "Shadow of the Colossus."

Concepts of Hedonia and Eudaimonia

• Hedonia:
  • Associated with pleasure, intrinsic good, and immediate sensory satisfaction.
  • Epicurus: Intrinsic value in pleasure.
• Eudaimonia:
  • Explored by Aristotle, focusing on human flourishing and virtue.
  • Highest good achieved through virtuous living and excellent reasoning.
  • Not a static state but an ongoing activity.

Media Studies Perspective

• Binary Framework: Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic motivations.
• Mary Beth Oliver’s Research:
  • Hedonia: Sensory pleasure activities.
  • Eudaimonia: Activities inspiring deep contemplation and moral living.
  • Dichotomy between enjoyment (positive emotions) vs. appreciation (mixed emotions).

Application to Music and Games

• Game Music:
  • Supports hedonic enjoyment or eudemonic appreciation.
  • Example Games:
    • Mario Kart: Hedonic experience.
    • Journey: Eudaimonic experience.

Case Study: Shadow of the Colossus

• Game Overview:
  • Developed by Team Ico, released for PS2 in 2001.
  • Plot: Protagonist Wander must defeat 16 colossi to revive a girl named Mano.
  • Unique focus on boss battles without minor enemies, emphasizing moral ambiguity.

Musical Analysis

• Typical Boss Battles:
  • Accompanied by exciting, memorable music.
  • Victory music reinforces player achievement.
• Shadow of the Colossus:
  • Subverts typical musical expectations.
  • Music indicates moral ambiguity rather than triumph.
  • First Colossus: Rising tension without resolution.
  • Battle Music: Energetic and aligned with heroism.
  • Post-Battle Music: Mournful and elegiac, suggesting tragedy.

Final Colossus

• Musical Elements:
  • Choir, organ, and chimes used to blend battle music with funeral tone.
  • Signals moral issues and subverts hedonic enjoyment.
• Endgame Realization:
  • Wander was misled, revealing tragic consequences of actions.
  • Music consistently questions player’s heroism.

Conclusion

• Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic Tension:

  • Shadow of the Colossus challenges player’s perception of heroism and morality.
  • Music plays a vital role in conveying underlying moral messages.
  • Remains memorable due to its complex emotional impact.

• Final Thoughts: The game’s emotional and moral depth is largely conveyed through its music, creating lasting impressions of both hedonic and eudaimonic experiences.