Earlier this week, Sony announced Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, an improved version of the action-adventure game originally released on PlayStation 4 back in 2017. The upcoming remastered edition will be released on October 31, 2024, for PS5 and PC and will be priced at $49.99.
However, Sony confirmed that those who already own Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 or PC or the Complete Edition will be able to upgrade to the digital version of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for $9.99 on both PS5 and PC.
With a cheap upgrade option available, Sony had to do a little price manipulation — and it didn't take gamers long to catch on.
Prior to the announcement, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition had been available for just $19.99. In fact, it had been that price for years, right up until Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was announced.
Following the announcement, the price of Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition on the PlayStation Store had been increased to $39.99, doubling its cost. The reason for the sudden price hike is quite clear once you do the math.
Without increasing the price, gamers would have been able to purchase Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition for $19.99 and then upgrade for $9.99, effectively paying a total of $29.99 to get the remastered version. However, with the new price of $39.99 and the upgrade fee, it will now cost $49.99 for the remaster, which is the normal price anyway.
It's certainly a deceptive move on Sony's part, but it's worth noting that the price increase seems to be only through the PlayStation Store. If you go through another retailer, like GameStop, you can still get the physical version of the game for $19.99. It's probably even cheaper if you go through the second-hand market.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered features numerous improvements made possible by new console technology that simply wasn't available at the time of the game's original release on PS4. With the remaster, players can expect over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and graphical improvements, and a game world brought to life in stunning 4K. The sound mix has also been completely revamped and it now supports PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech2 for higher-order ambisonics and Atmos rendering.
And lastly, the game will make use of the PS5's DualSense Wireless Controller Technology. Features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers will provide tactile feedback that heightens immersion.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is set to launch for PS5 and PC on October 31, 2024. Hopefully, you already owned the original game before this sudden price hike.