This Music Release Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Game’s Release
The Oregon Trail was one of those games that kids in the 80s and 90s may remember being on their school computers. It was all about getting from the starting point all the way to Oregon with at least one member of the party alive, where it was far too possible for members to die from starvation, broken legs, and dysentery. It comes as a surprise (and, to some, a reminder of their age) to know that it’s been 50 years since the Oregon Trail was released. It was on December 3, 1971, in fact.
More surprisingly, the Oregon Trail had a resuragance. Through the Apple Arcade, The Oregon Trail was released in April 2021 from Gameloft and HarperCollins Productions, and has had about four updates since its release. Today, in order to celebrate the half century anniversary, Gamesloft and Decca Records have released Oregon Trail: Music from Gamesloft soundtrack. This is the first offical music release for the game by Gamesloft. This follows Gameloft’s release of a more general music soundtrack in November 2021 of High Scores: Music from Gameloft Games.
The music soundtrack was crafted by Nicolas Dubé, an awards winning composer. But more interestingly, Gamesloft had worked with Native American scholars in order to ensure the correct tone and instrumentation to ensure they properly highlighted the correct sound for stories that highlighted Indigenous peoples within the game.
There are 15 tracks to listen to, and Dubé was happy to comment on the soundtrack release. “It’s a joy to see this soundtrack release, so that players can experience The Oregon Trail even if they haven’t played the game,” Dubé went on to say: “We really wanted to create something that touches upon the adventure of the trail, the pain of the struggles and hardships, and the joy and elation of successfully reaching Oregon or fording a river or taking care of your party. This soundtrack is something we’re really proud of,”
This might be something to check out, especially if you want to recall those Oregon Trail days- if only for the nostilgia, not for the childhood bafflement and frustration.
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE