In a significant shift for gamers, the Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition has been removed from purchase options on Steam, despite its page remaining active. Customers navigating the Steam platform are now met with pre-order options for the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, set to launch on October 31, alongside the opportunity to acquire the 2022 sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
Challenges for Global Gamers
This decision poses challenges for players in numerous regions, particularly those without access to Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN). The remastered version will necessitate a PSN account, a requirement that excludes gamers in over a hundred countries, predominantly in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This limitation could hinder many from experiencing the beloved franchise.
Moreover, Sony’s trend of mandating PSN accounts for newer PC titles, including popular single-player games like Until Dawn and God of War Ragnarök, has sparked frustration among its customer base. The expectation for seamless access to games is increasingly at odds with the realities of regional restrictions.
For those still eager to dive into the world of Horizon Zero Dawn, the Complete Edition remains available for purchase on GOG.com. This platform proudly advertises its no-activation and offline play policy, providing a viable alternative for gamers who prefer to avoid the constraints of online connectivity.
Polygon has reached out to Sony Interactive Entertainment for insights regarding the delisting of Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition and its future availability on GOG.com. Updates will follow as the company responds to these inquiries.
While the practice of delisting older titles to pave the way for remakes and remasters is not uncommon, it raises questions about consumer-friendly strategies. Other publishers have adopted more inclusive approaches, balancing the excitement of new releases with the accessibility of existing titles.
