Horizon Forbidden West Sells 8.4 Million Copies, Expanding Franchise Success
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| Image by GamesHub |
Highlights
- Horizon Forbidden West has sold 8.4 million copies, according to developer Guerrilla Games.
- The overall Horizon franchise has reached an impressive milestone of 32.7 million units sold.
- The sales figure does not include PS Plus Extra downloads, indicating even higher player engagement.
- Guerrilla Games has confirmed plans for a third game in the Horizon series, ensuring the continuation of protagonist Aloy's adventures.
- A Horizon Zero Dawn TV series is in the works at Netflix, further expanding the franchise's universe.
- The success of Horizon Zero Dawn has prompted discussions of a possible remaster for the PS5.
In a recent PlayStation blog post commemorating the 20th anniversary of Guerrilla Games, studio director Jan-Bart van Beek revealed that Horizon Forbidden West has achieved significant success with 8.4 million copies sold as of April 16. This accomplishment adds to the broader triumph of the Horizon franchise, which has now reached a remarkable total of 32.7 million units sold. Van Beek acknowledged that these figures exclude downloads from PlayStation subscription services and initiatives such as PlayStation Plus and Play at Home, implying an even larger player base.
Expressing gratitude to the dedicated fan community, Van Beek highlighted the immense support for the franchise and shared the team's enthusiasm for the ongoing love received. He assured fans that Aloy's journey would continue in a sequel, as the ending of Horizon Forbidden West sets the stage for exciting future plot developments.
In addition to the games' success, the Horizon universe is expanding beyond gaming. Netflix is currently working on a TV series adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn, led by renowned showrunner Steve Blackman, known for his work on The Umbrella Academy. The show will delve into the origin story of the huntress Aloy, chronicling her transformation from a marginalized outcast within her tribe to a heroic savior of humanity in a dystopian future. Michelle Lovretta, creator of Killjoys, joins Blackman in penning the script, solidifying PlayStation's growing portfolio of screen adaptations that includes an Amazon Prime Video series based on God of War.
Amidst the franchise's success, rumors have surfaced regarding a potential remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn for the PS5. Reports suggest that the remastered version would offer improved lighting, overhauled textures, and enhanced animations. While Sony has faced criticism for its approach to remakes and remasters, having recently released The Last of Us Part I on the PS5 and PC, the enduring visual appeal of Horizon Zero Dawn makes it a prime candidate for a native 4K upgrade on the PS5. However, concerns have been raised that such an upgrade could lead to an inflated price tag, potentially exceeding the standard pricing for game upgrades.
As the Horizon franchise continues to captivate audiences with its immersive gameplay, rich storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, fans eagerly anticipate the release of Horizon Forbidden West and the future of Aloy's adventures. With millions of copies sold and expanding into other media forms, the Horizon series solidifies its position as a groundbreaking and beloved franchise within the gaming industry.
