Sony backtracks on Horizon Forbidden West PS4 upgrade details, will offer free upgrade to PS5
Earlier this week, PlayStation revealed its pre-order information for its upcoming release of Horizon Forbidden West, detailing that those who purchase the game on PlayStation 4 would be stuck with that version of the game, and entirely unable to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 release later down the line without re-buying the game all over again for the new platform. In the past, PlayStation has offered upgrade plans for "next-gen" PS5 releases, making Horizon Forbidden West's odd method stand out. However, after fans were upset at this announcement, Sony backtracked and made a u-turn, amending their original post to explain that they've decided to allow those who purchase the game on PS4 to upgrade to the PS5 version of the game for free.
Also added in the update was that going forward, PlayStation-developed titles that have cross-generation releases will simply allow players to go from purchasing PS4 versions to the improved PS5 release later down the road for a $10 charge. This plan applies to their future first-party lineup, including the upcoming new God of War game and Gran Turismo 7.
Last year we made a commitment to deliver free upgrades for our cross-gen launch titles, which included Horizon Forbidden West. While the pandemic’s profound impact pushed Forbidden West out of the launch window we initially envisioned, we will stand by our offer: Players who purchase Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free.
I also want to confirm today that moving forward, PlayStation first-party exclusive cross-gen titles (newly releasing on PS4 & PS5)–both digital and physical*–will offer a $10 USD digital upgrade option from PS4 to PS5. This will apply to the next God of War and Gran Turismo 7, and any other exclusive cross-gen PS4 & PS5 title published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
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