Everyone loves needless, forgettable tidbits of information. Tabloids, polls, FOX News, all testaments to humanity’s creepy desire to know who snacks on ice or which upstanding socialite enjoys vulgar scenes of canines and desperate women. What makes this any different than a Snapple cap or a NSFW video? If there was anyone you’d want more insight on, it’d be Fumito Ueda, and his two majestic, alluring monuments of natural formation, ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. Team ICO Gamers have comprised a nifty little fifty-factoid list for anyone interested. There are at least four SPOILERS for anyone who has somehow committed such blasphemy as to not experience Ueda’s tales of detailed minimalist beauty, but they did have the courtesy of pointing them out. Yet, chances are if you’re reading this that’s not a concern.

A few examples of note:

3. Fumito Ueda visited the Great Canyon to research Shadow of the Colossus

I might be wrong, and if I am, feel free to gently guide me on the right path, but I think that they meant “Grand Canyon.” Still, great place, to be sure! Certainly a trip put to good use!

12. Staff members used to wonder why they were working on Yorda's strange movements (strolling around, following birds) because they didn't affect gameplay in any way

Aw, that’s great.

17. The team intentionally avoided using the maximum graphic specs in order to give ICO something different and make it stand out

That too. What an f’ing nice tribute to our NEXT-GEN current generation.

From Simon & Garfunkel to Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Fumito Ueda fills my heart with warmth and hope.

Credit to Zara for the photoshop pic. THANKS!