The game was first announced by THQ on February 19, 2003, under the working title "Sphinx". Touted as a GameCube and PlayStation 2 title, it would ultimately launch on the Xbox, as well. Eurocom developed the game over a period of roughly three years, including time spent creating the title's original engine. The design for Sphinx himself changed greatly over time, from a young child of about six to his final form as a teenager. In creating the two differing styles of gameplay, the developers took inspiration from exploration and puzzle-solving in past games, such as the "Zelda" series. During development, the role of the cursed mummy, Tutankhamen, increased in prominence. Early "Sphinx" featured a 70/30 split of play time between Sphinx and Tutankhamen, which was adjusted in the latter's favor in response to positive reactions to the character. In line with this shift, the game's title was changed from the earlier "Sphinx and the Shadow of Set" to the advertised "Sphinx and the Misfortunate Mummy" sometime during mid-August and early September, shortly before release. The "Shadow of Set" development title had still been in use when THQ began providing demo discs for the PlayStation 2 version online. It would ultimately be released in November with the finalized title of "Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy".