Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster Introduces Controversial Requirement for PC Players

The forthcoming Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will necessitate a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for Steam users wishing to access the game. Announced during the latest PlayStation State of Play event, this remaster offers fans the chance to experience Aloy's original journey with upgraded graphics that leverage modern hardware capabilities.

Despite being released seven years ago, the original Horizon Zero Dawn remains one of the most visually stunning games to date, prompting many to question the necessity of a remaster. Nevertheless, Sony is set to launch Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PC and PlayStation 5 on October 31.

The remaster has already faced criticism for being deemed unnecessary, and the PSN account requirement has only added fuel to the fire. Like all new Sony titles released on PC, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered mandates users to log in with a PSN account.

While some players may not see this as a significant issue, others find it inconvenient, especially for those residing in specific regions. Nonetheless, Sony remains firm on enforcing this PSN requirement for its games, even for single-player titles like this remaster.

Pricing and Backlash Surrounding Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has struggled to garner positive attention. Beyond the controversial PSN requirement, pricing concerns have also arisen. Sony has announced that owners of the original Horizon Zero Dawn can upgrade to the remastered version for $10. However, they have also increased the original's price from $19.99 to $39.99. On Steam, players can only purchase the original game as part of a bundle with the remaster, priced at $49.99, which has further frustrated fans.

Sony's insistence on the PSN requirement has led to significant backlash, affecting how its games are received. A recent review bombing campaign targeted Helldivers 2, compelling Sony to reconsider its stance on the requirement. Yet, all PlayStation-published games released after this incident have continued to enforce the contentious rule.

It appears that the PSN account requirement will remain a standard practice for all future Sony games on Steam. Fans now face a choice: accept this new norm or boycott PlayStation titles on Steam if they strongly oppose it. The impact of this decision on the sales of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will certainly be intriguing to observe when the game launches later this month.