In a notable shift for the gaming community, Remedy Entertainment has announced that the iconic David Bowie track “Space Oddity” will be removed from the credits of the original Alan Wake game, effective next week. The song, which plays during the game’s closing moments, encapsulates the themes of isolation and existential reflection that resonate deeply with the narrative of the game. The protagonist’s journey, marked by solitude and a poignant love for his wife, finds a fitting accompaniment in Bowie’s haunting melody.
Changes Ahead for Alan Wake
On September 10th at 11 AM UTC, an update will roll out for all PC versions of Alan Wake—including those available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. This update will replace “Space Oddity” with a new original composition titled Strange Moons, crafted by Petri Alanko, who has been the musical architect behind every Remedy title since the original Alan Wake. Notably, Alan Wake Remastered (released in 2021) will not be affected by this change, leaving the beloved Bowie track intact for players of that version.
This situation is not unprecedented in the gaming industry, where licensing issues can lead to significant alterations in beloved titles. In some cases, expiring licenses have resulted in games being pulled from digital storefronts entirely, as witnessed earlier this year with Spec Ops: The Line. Alan Wake itself faced a similar fate in 2017 due to licensing complications, only to return to the market the following year after Microsoft successfully negotiated new agreements with the rights holders.
By proactively addressing the licensing issue, Remedy is taking a commendable approach. The transition from Bowie’s classic to Alanko’s new piece is expected to maintain the atmospheric integrity of the game, as Alanko is well-versed in the emotional landscape that players have come to appreciate. While the decision to remove “Space Oddity” may raise questions—particularly regarding why it is being replaced in the original but not in the remastered version—the complexities of licensing agreements often dictate such outcomes in the gaming world.
