MediEvil: Shawn Layden Expresses Desire for Classic Franchise Revival on PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary

As PlayStation commemorates its 30th anniversary, industry veterans and journalists take the opportunity to reflect on landmark titles and the creative talents behind Sony’s influential gaming platform.

One notable voice in the recent conversation is Shawn Layden, the former President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America.

Speaking with Eurogamer, Layden offered unique insights into the legacy of PlayStation and highlighted a franchise that holds a special place in his heart: MediEvil. First releasing on the original PlayStation in 1998, MediEvil quickly established itself as a cult favorite.

Developed by Millennium (shortly before their acquisition by Sony and rebranding as SCE Cambridge Studio), the game charmed players with its combination of gothic atmosphere and quirky humor—described by Layden as a blend of Tim Burton’s dark whimsy and the irreverent comedy of Monty Python.

MediEvil’s distinct identity and endearing protagonist, Sir Daniel Fortesque, set it apart from its contemporaries, earning it a loyal following and critical recognition. Layden recalled his personal connection to the series, stating that "this is a title that resonated with me from the very start," and emphasized how the collaboration with the development team led to further achievements.

Building on the original game’s success, Sony released a sequel, MediEvil 2, in 2000.

The franchise’s enduring appeal also prompted two remakes: MediEvil: Resurrection for the PlayStation Portable in 2005 and a full-scale remaster for PlayStation 4 in 2019.

Layden noted the challenges of localizing the game’s unique comedic tone for global audiences but praised the creative efforts that brought MediEvil to new generations of players. As Layden shared, "It’s simply a game that genuinely spoke to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented studio behind it." He expressed his enthusiasm for the franchise’s legacy and indicated that, if given the chance, he would readily involve himself in bringing MediEvil back to modern platforms. Notably, Jason Wilson, one of the franchise’s key creators, recently made headlines by selling unique development documents and even his BAFTA award earned for MediEvil 2.

These milestones underscore the historical significance and lasting impact of the MediEvil series within the PlayStation ecosystem. With the PlayStation brand marking three decades of innovation and iconic releases, renewed attention is being paid to classic titles like MediEvil.

Whether or not fans will see another entry in the series, the passion from creators like Layden highlights how certain games leave a permanent mark on both the industry and those who help bring them to life.

PlayStation Sony Shawn Layden America Sony Interactive Entertainment MediEvil Eurogamer Millennium Jason Wilson