Horizon Zero Dawn Vanishes from Epic Games Store, Paving the Way for Remastered Edition

Sony Interactive Entertainment quietly pulled the original Horizon Zero Dawn from the Epic Games Store. Where? The removal is specific to the Epic Games Store; the game remains available on Steam and PlayStation Store. When? This occurred in late September 2024, shortly after the announcement of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Why? The most likely reason is to steer players towards the upcoming remaster, launching on October 31st, 2024. Who? This decision affects PC gamers who were hoping to grab the original game on the Epic Games Store.

The delisting might seem abrupt, but it strategically positions the Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered as the sole PC option on the Epic Games Store. This move encourages players to either purchase the remaster at full price ($49.99) or upgrade from the original for $9.99 (if purchased elsewhere). Interestingly, this tactic mirrors Sony’s approach with Spider-Man Remastered on PC, where the original version was never released, leaving only the remastered edition available.

A Calculated Move Towards Remaster Adoption

Sony’s decision to delist the original Horizon Zero Dawn from the Epic Games Store is a calculated move with potential benefits and drawbacks.

Potential Benefits:

• Increased Remaster Sales: By removing the original, Sony encourages players to buy the remaster, potentially leading to higher sales.
• Simplified Product Offering: Having only the remaster on the Epic Games Store streamlines their product page and avoids confusion for consumers.
• Enhanced Brand Image: Offering a visually enhanced and technically improved remaster can strengthen the Horizon brand image.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Consumer Backlash: Some gamers might feel forced to buy the remaster or pay for an upgrade, potentially leading to negative sentiment.
• Limited Accessibility: Removing the original makes it inaccessible to those who prefer it or can’t afford the remaster.
• Perceived Anti-Consumer Practices: This move could be seen as anti-consumer, especially for those who recently bought the original at full price on the Epic Games Store.

The Remastered Edition: What’s New?

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered promises a range of enhancements over the original, including:

• Improved Graphics: Higher resolutions, improved textures, and better visual effects.
• Enhanced Performance: Higher frame rates, faster loading times, and smoother gameplay.
• Accessibility Features: More options for players with disabilities.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Gameplay tweaks and refinements based on player feedback.

The Future of Horizon on PC

This incident raises questions about Sony’s future PC strategy. Will they continue to prioritize remasters over original releases? Will they adopt similar tactics with other PlayStation titles coming to PC? Only time will tell. However, one thing is clear: Sony is actively shaping the PC landscape with its decisions, and the gaming community is watching closely.

Expanding on the Topic:

To further delve into this situation, let’s explore some related aspects and community perspectives:

1. Price Discrepancy and Upgrade Path:

One of the main points of contention is the pricing of the remaster and the upgrade path. Horizon Zero Dawn was frequently on sale on the Epic Games Store for under $15. Now, players are essentially forced to pay $49.99 for the remaster or $9.99 to upgrade from a version purchased elsewhere. This feels unfair to those who recently bought the game on Epic Games Store, expecting to enjoy the original experience.

2. Community Reactions:

A quick look at Reddit and gaming forums reveals a mixed bag of reactions. Some users express understanding for Sony’s business decision, while others criticize the move as greedy and anti-consumer. Many are disappointed with the lack of communication and the sudden removal of the original.

3. Steam Availability:

Interestingly, Horizon Zero Dawn remains available on Steam. This raises questions about the exclusivity deal with Epic Games Store and whether the original will eventually be removed from Steam as well.

4. Preservation of the Original Experience:

Some gamers prefer the original version’s aesthetic and performance. With the delisting, accessing this original experience becomes more challenging, raising concerns about game preservation and consumer choice.

5. Impact on Future Purchases:

This incident could influence how gamers perceive and purchase games on the Epic Games Store. Some might hesitate to buy titles, fearing they might be delisted or replaced with remasters in the future.

6. Sony’s PC Strategy:

Sony’s increasing presence on PC is undeniable. However, their approach with Horizon Zero Dawn and Spider-Man Remastered suggests a focus on bringing enhanced versions of their games to PC, potentially leaving original releases behind.

7. The Role of Epic Games Store:

Epic Games Store’s role in this situation is also worth considering. Did they agree to the delisting? What are their policies regarding the removal of games from their platform? More transparency from Epic Games Store would be beneficial in understanding this situation.

8. The Bigger Picture:

This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where remasters and remakes are becoming increasingly common. While these offer improved experiences, they also raise questions about the value of original releases and the preservation of gaming history.

The removal of Horizon Zero Dawn from the Epic Games Store is a significant event with implications for both consumers and the gaming industry. While Sony’s decision is understandable from a business perspective, it also highlights potential concerns about consumer choice, game preservation, and the evolving landscape of PC gaming. As gamers, it’s crucial to stay informed and voice our opinions on such matters to shape a future where both innovation and accessibility thrive.