Sony's Controversial Move: Horizon: Zero Dawn PC Version Removed Ahead of Remastered Release

Recent developments surrounding Sony's flagship title have raised eyebrows among gamers. The company has decided to remove the original version of Horizon: Zero Dawn from available purchase options on PC platforms. This decision follows Sony's previous price increase of the 2017 game on the PlayStation Store in an apparent effort to push consumers toward the pricier remastered edition set to launch later this month.

This strategy has drawn significant criticism, particularly as it appears that PlayStation users might be better off in this situation, given the even steeper challenges faced by PC gamers. Currently, the availability of Horizon: Zero Dawn on the Epic Games platform Store and Steam has been completely rescinded, although the listing still exists on these platforms.

As a result, anyone interested in experiencing Aloy's initial journey will now have to purchase the remastered version, set to debut on October 31. Until that release, the original game is unavailable, and it's worth noting that the remastered edition commands a higher price.

Additionally, this remaster has the stipulation of requiring a PSN account to operate. Observations from the previous year revealed that there are approximately 170 regions and countries where PSN accounts are inaccessible. Gamers in these areas will find themselves unable to purchase Horizon: Zero Dawn for PC altogether, as the original title—which did not depend on a PSN account—has been taken off the market, and the remaster requires this same account for play.

In prior times, Sony embraced the slogan "This is 4 the Players," but this recent move certainly raises questions about the validity of that claim. Transitioning to "Play Has No Limits" this generation seems contradictory when actions like these impose clear restrictions. How do you feel about these developments?

Mariana Rocha 08 Oct 2024