The release of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has met with an underwhelming reception, especially on PC. Despite the remaster of Guerrilla Games’ acclaimed 2017 action-RPG promising upgraded visuals and refined gameplay, its lackluster player engagement has raised questions about its appeal and Sony’s broader strategy for PC releases.
On Steam, data indicates that the remastered version has failed to attract significant interest from PC gamers. Reports show that its peak player count didn’t exceed 3,000 concurrent users—a disappointing outcome compared to the steady engagement still seen in the original Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, which retains a stronger player base. For a title as celebrated as Horizon Zero Dawn, such low numbers underscore a serious disconnect between what the remaster offers and what PC players expect.
PC Players Left Frustrated by Redundant Upgrades and PSN Restrictions
For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users, the remastered edition might hold some appeal, especially for those looking to revisit the title with enhanced graphics. However, on PC, the upgrades seem redundant, as the original game had already received extensive visual improvements and optimization over several years of patches. These updates made Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition a polished experience on PC, leaving little room—or incentive—for a remastered version to shine. Instead, the remaster has introduced new bugs, detracting from the overall experience.
The remaster’s struggles on PC have also been compounded by region-specific restrictions tied to Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) requirements. Players in numerous countries, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, are unable to access the game on Steam because of these PSN restrictions. This move, which mirrors Sony’s recent changes implemented in other titles, like Helldivers 2, has led to frustration among international players, many of whom feel sidelined by Sony’s strategy. The requirement for PSN accounts on PC has further complicated access and alienated regions that have traditionally shown strong interest in PlayStation titles.
The approach has provoked criticism not only from players but also from industry analysts who argue that Sony’s approach to PC releases may need rethinking. While the move to bring PlayStation exclusives to PC initially generated enthusiasm, the pace of releases has been slow, with extended delays between console and PC launches. Now, with the added friction of PSN requirements, Sony risks further alienating PC players who may already feel underserved by the staggered release schedules.
Sony’s PC Strategy Faces Challenges Amidst Fan Backlash Over Pricing and Access
Moreover, the remaster’s pricing strategy has added to fan discontent. Although the upgrade is relatively affordable at $10 for those who already own the Complete Edition, Sony’s decision to raise the price of the original Complete Edition ahead of the remaster’s launch was poorly received by fans. Many felt that this pre-release price hike was an attempt to drive players toward the remastered version, which they ultimately found underwhelming.
Given the lukewarm response to Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Sony may need to reconsider its approach to remasters on PC and its overall strategy for the platform. The combined effects of the remaster’s limited appeal, regional restrictions, and pricing issues have left PC players feeling neglected, and the drop in player engagement suggests the strategy may be backfiring. For a company aiming to expand its presence in the PC market, these missteps could be costly.
Moving forward, Sony might need to address the timing and execution of its PC releases to build stronger rapport with this audience. By re-evaluating the need for PSN accounts on PC and ensuring that remasters offer significant improvements or new content, Sony could better position its titles for success in the competitive PC gaming landscape. For now, however, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of under-delivering on player expectations in a market where choices are abundant and competition is fierce.
