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Sony Explicitly Said A PS5 ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ Upgrade Would Be Free

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iHaunter

Member
Mod edit: this is being discussed in the original thread where the quote has been screenshotted many times. It serves no purpose except to try and embellish the issue in the name of points scoring. Please continue to discuss this blog entry in the long running thread.

Fact Check from Forbes Magazine contributor Paul Tassi.

Sony Explicitly Said A PS5 ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ Upgrade Would Be Free (forbes.com)

Written Article:


Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West


GUERILLA

Yesterday, Sony baffled fans and critics alike when it announced the pricing for the PS4 and PS5 versions of the Horizon Forbidden West.

While the $60 PS4 and $70 PS5 price points are Sony’s standard at this point, the confusing part was that there was absolutely no way to upgrade your $60 PS4 version to a PS5 version later. Instead, players are told to buy an $80 “Deluxe” version which allows “Dual Entitlement” for both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game


Fans haven’t exactly loved Sony’s paid upgrade path for other games in the past, but the complete lack of an upgrade path for Horizon Forbidden West is new. But it’s not just illogical, it’s actually completely contrary to what Sony explicitly said about the game.

A year ago, last September, Sony published a blog post that remains online to this day. It says the following:

“Additionally, we know that the PS4 community will transition to PS5 at different times, and we’re happy to announce PS4 versions of some of our exclusives. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West will also launch on PS4. While these three games were designed to take advantage of PS5 and its unique next-gen features like the ultra-high-speed SSD and DualSense controller, PS4 owners will also be able to enjoy these experiences when they launch. The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive.”

There is simply no other way to read that. Sony originally said that upgrading your PS4 copy of Horizon Forbidden West to PS5 would be free.

But still, if you want to quibble with the wording there, here’s Jim Ryan being explicit in a Washington Post interview around the same time when asked about cross-gen titles Miles Morales and Horizon Forbidden West specifically:


“No one should be disappointed,” Ryan said. “The PS5 versions of those games are built from the ground up to take advantage of the PS5 feature set, and we have an upgrade path for PS4 users to get the PS5 versions for free. It’s about people having choice. I’m really quite pleased about the situation.”

Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West


Horizon Forbidden West


SONY

Miles Morales, despite a few confusing upgrades of its own which contained upgraded versions of the original Spider-Man game, did in fact have a free PS4 to PS5 upgrade path as a standalone game. Here’s how that process worked:

“You can simply navigate to the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales  Game Hub on your PS5 console and select the upgrade offer to download the PS5 version. Note: you will need to log into your PS5 console with the same PlayStation Network account that you were using when you purchased the PS4 version of the game.”

So, not only is Horizon Forbidden West implementing an utterly confusing and nonsensical way for PS4 players to “pre-upgrade” their game for a higher price, even if it was a more standard $10 upgrade, that’s still not what they said originally. I have asked Sony for comment about this disparity and will update if I hear back.

Simply put, this isn’t what they promised. The outcry about this move has been loud enough where I do expect a response from them, so check back periodically for an update that I have to believe is coming. Anything less than a free upgrade, like they originally said, isn’t going to be good enough, and if it’s not that, they have to explain why.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

kyliethicc

Member
Fact Check from Forbes Magazine contributor Paul Tassi.

Sony Explicitly Said A PS5 ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ Upgrade Would Be Free (forbes.com)

Written Article:


Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West


GUERILLA

Yesterday, Sony baffled fans and critics alike when it announced the pricing for the PS4 and PS5 versions of the Horizon Forbidden West.

While the $60 PS4 and $70 PS5 price points are Sony’s standard at this point, the confusing part was that there was absolutely no way to upgrade your $60 PS4 version to a PS5 version later. Instead, players are told to buy an $80 “Deluxe” version which allows “Dual Entitlement” for both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game


Fans haven’t exactly loved Sony’s paid upgrade path for other games in the past, but the complete lack of an upgrade path for Horizon Forbidden West is new. But it’s not just illogical, it’s actually completely contrary to what Sony explicitly said about the game.

A year ago, last September, Sony published a blog post that remains online to this day. It says the following:

“Additionally, we know that the PS4 community will transition to PS5 at different times, and we’re happy to announce PS4 versions of some of our exclusives. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West will also launch on PS4. While these three games were designed to take advantage of PS5 and its unique next-gen features like the ultra-high-speed SSD and DualSense controller, PS4 owners will also be able to enjoy these experiences when they launch. The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive.”

There is simply no other way to read that. Sony originally said that upgrading your PS4 copy of Horizon Forbidden West to PS5 would be free.

But still, if you want to quibble with the wording there, here’s Jim Ryan being explicit in a Washington Post interview around the same time when asked about cross-gen titles Miles Morales and Horizon Forbidden West specifically:


“No one should be disappointed,” Ryan said. “The PS5 versions of those games are built from the ground up to take advantage of the PS5 feature set, and we have an upgrade path for PS4 users to get the PS5 versions for free. It’s about people having choice. I’m really quite pleased about the situation.”

Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West


Horizon Forbidden West


SONY

Miles Morales, despite a few confusing upgrades of its own which contained upgraded versions of the original Spider-Man game, did in fact have a free PS4 to PS5 upgrade path as a standalone game. Here’s how that process worked:

“You can simply navigate to the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales  Game Hub on your PS5 console and select the upgrade offer to download the PS5 version. Note: you will need to log into your PS5 console with the same PlayStation Network account that you were using when you purchased the PS4 version of the game.”

So, not only is Horizon Forbidden West implementing an utterly confusing and nonsensical way for PS4 players to “pre-upgrade” their game for a higher price, even if it was a more standard $10 upgrade, that’s still not what they said originally. I have asked Sony for comment about this disparity and will update if I hear back.

Simply put, this isn’t what they promised. The outcry about this move has been loud enough where I do expect a response from them, so check back periodically for an update that I have to believe is coming. Anything less than a free upgrade, like they originally said, isn’t going to be good enough, and if it’s not that, they have to explain why.

Is Horizon a launch game? No.
 
This source was already proven that it didn't intend to say that Horizon was guaranteed a free upgrade. Instead it said launch games would receive a free upgrade system which Horizon is not. Originally it was thought to be a launch title which has changed and so has this verbiage. Can everyone just stop beating a dead horse now?
 
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Oh boy.

I’m not one to apologize for corporations but I do think gamers are being a bit entitled in this case. You technically have 2 separate versions that needed coded, qc’d and packaged.

Back in the day nobody would have thought oh, I bought rayman 2 on ps1 so Sony should upgrade me for free. If you wanted it you bought it. So I’m that way, I think a $10 upgrade fee (which I would never do as it’s digital btw) is reasonably priced.

Then again, since the upgrade is digital only it’s not exactly breaking the bank of Sony to give its customers so it’s not like I’m Praising them for their charity when it’s free either. It’s a nice gesture but it’s good pr for Sony.

Bit of a grey area here I suppose. But I do think people are whining a bit too much.

I wanted sackboy, crash 4 re8 and others and had a ps4 pro, but wanted the best versions. So I waited until I got a ps5, big deal.
 
Oh boy.

I’m not one to apologize for corporations but I do think gamers are being a bit entitled in this case. You technically have 2 separate versions that needed coded, qc’d and packaged.

Back in the day nobody would have thought oh, I bought rayman 2 on ps1 so Sony should upgrade me for free. If you wanted it you bought it. So I’m that way, I think a $10 upgrade fee (which I would never do as it’s digital btw) is reasonably priced.

Then again, since the upgrade is digital only it’s not exactly breaking the bank of Sony to give its customers so it’s not like I’m Praising them for their charity when it’s free either. It’s a nice gesture but it’s good pr for Sony.

Bit of a grey area here I suppose. But I do think people are whining a bit too much.

I wanted sackboy, crash 4 re8 and others and had a ps4 pro, but wanted the best versions. So I waited until I got a ps5, big deal.
Agree 👍
 

ZehDon

Member
This source was already proven that it didn't intend to say that Horizon was guaranteed a free upgrade. Instead it said launch games would receive a free upgrade system which Horizon is not. Originally it was thought to be a launch title which has changed and so has this verbiage. Can everyone just stop beating a dead horse now?
I feel like we're back in the pre-release Xbone era of console discussions.

"Guys, the Xbone online check is not DRM. I'm sick of all of this FUD. The Xbone doesn't have always online DRM! The online check in is not checking your content rights, it's only checking that the console has authenticated to Microsoft's servers. That is straight up not DRM! It's not checking digital rights! Can everyone just stop beating a dead horse now?"
 
Just passing off the info. I already have it pre-ordered.

I feel like we're back in the pre-release Xbone era of console discussions.

"Guys, the Xbone online check is not DRM. I'm sick of all of this FUD. The Xbone doesn't have always online DRM! The online check in is not checking your content rights, it's only checking that the console has authenticated to Microsoft's servers. That is straight up not DRM! It's not checking digital rights! Can everyone just stop beating a dead horse now?"
2 different conversations that have nothing to do with one another
 
He was talking about Horizon. The interview was about that game.
Interview said games such as Horizon and again he said these games, it is a generalized statement that did not indicate anything specific. I'm not for the no upgrade path, but false info shouldn't be brought to such attention and scrutinized. Everything is being based off of a statement that has changed because Horizon is no longer a launch game and another that generalized it so people assumed.
 

BigBri1

Neo Member
This is just baffling to me that people are complaining about this. Just buy the deluxe version or whatever it is. What's the big deal here?? Think some gamers just want everything handed to them. It's $10 more than the PS5 version to own both. That's not a bad deal people, get over it.
 

Wunray

Member
🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ I myself can't imagine paying 10 dollars for display and graphics settings but more power to the working man/woman. Spend responsibly and wait for a sale would be my best advice.
 

MOTM

Banned
Man Sony fanboys really are a different breed hey.

I’m 30 so I grew up with the PS One and PS2 so I appreciate how much they’ve done in gaming even if I’m a Xbox guy now through and through.

However surely you have to come to the realisation that they think you’re their bitch. They’re not even trying to pretend.
 
Man Sony fanboys really are a different breed hey.

I’m 30 so I grew up with the PS One and PS2 so I appreciate how much they’ve done in gaming even if I’m a Xbox guy now through and through.

However surely you have to come to the realisation that they think you’re their bitch. They’re not even trying to pretend.
It's more about people reading into things, assuming, then getting butt hurt because they didn't get what they were entitled to according to them. Not really fan boyism.
 

Gamerguy84

Member
I would bet anything they change their tune. The game isn't out until Feb. I'm sure by that time it will be an upgrade fee, otherwise everyone would order the PS4 version and download the PS5 version.

It's out in 5 months they'll figure it out.
 
🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ I myself can't imagine paying 10 dollars for display and graphics settings but more power to the working man/woman. Spend responsibly and wait for a sale would be my best advice.
The thing is most of these ps4 versions run better on ps5 anyway, so you’re already getting graphics upgrade albeit not to the same extent.

re8 has a 60 mode on ps4 pro and a high res mode which runs bad… but is locked on ps5. Boom, there is your upgrade if you can’t wait to get the ps5. Like what is there to be mad about lol.
 

MrSec84

Member
IMO it should be the case that you buy the game and it works on the PS4 and takes advantage of the PS5, this game is going to sell a ridiculous number of units just like the original did, well over 10 million units, even if the game only holds it's value for 6 months (which seems to be a massive underestimation) a lot of those sales will likely be within the first year.
This game will more than likely make Sony hundreds of millions of dollars in profit, most people would buy the PS5 version if they knew it included access to both the PS4 and PS5 version of the game.

It's ridiculous that you can't even buy the PS4 version for £60 and give Sony a Tenner to upgrade to the PS5 version.
Assuming there's also an expansion like Frozen Wilds I think I may wait and buy it later in the year, even though I own a PS5, I'm going to wait because I want the full experience, not just what the launch PS5 version will offer me.

I don't think this is the way for a company to handle a game's release like a Horizon title.

Frozen Wilds, added to the launch price of the PS4 base game was probably close to £70 back in 2017, as much as I love Zero Dawn I think accepting these prices when funds are limited and these companies are making many billions of Dollars/Pounds across their core major releases is pretty ridiculous.

I'm going to at least wait for complete editions of games and not just give away my hard earned money because I'm feeling all excited about a game getting a release date, even if it's one that I'm 100% sure will be an amazing experience on the PS5.
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles
Forbidden West wasn’t a PS5 launch game, so it’s not included in this part of the text.

The “those games” part should have been clearer, but from the part I quoted it’s pretty clear that he’s only talking about launch games.
 
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MrFunSocks

Banned
I feel like we're back in the pre-release Xbone era of console discussions.

"Guys, the Xbone online check is not DRM. I'm sick of all of this FUD. The Xbone doesn't have always online DRM! The online check in is not checking your content rights, it's only checking that the console has authenticated to Microsoft's servers. That is straight up not DRM! It's not checking digital rights! Can everyone just stop beating a dead horse now?"
I don’t remember anyone ever making that argument. No one ever said it wasn’t DRM. The argument was made that it’s not “always online” like many were saying since you didn’t have to be always online.
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
IMO it should be the case that you buy the game and it works on the PS4 and takes advantage of the PS5, this game is going to sell a ridiculous number of units just like the original did, well over 10 million units, even if the game only holds it's value for 6 months (which seems to be a massive underestimation) a lot of those sales will likely be within the first year.
This game will more than likely make Sony hundreds of millions of dollars in profit, most people would buy the PS5 version if they knew it included access to both the PS4 and PS5 version of the game.

It's ridiculous that you can't even buy the PS4 version for £60 and give Sony a Tenner to upgrade to the PS5 version.
Assuming there's also an expansion like Frozen Wilds I think I may wait and buy it later in the year, even though I own a PS5, I'm going to wait because I want the full experience, not just what the launch PS5 version will offer me.

I don't think this is the way for a company to handle a game's release like a Horizon title.

Frozen Wilds, added to the launch price of the PS4 base game was probably close to £70 back in 2017, as much as I love Zero Dawn I think accepting these prices when funds are limited and these companies are making many billions of Dollars/Pounds across their core major releases is pretty ridiculous.

I'm going to at least wait for complete editions of games and not just give away my hard earned money because I'm feeling all excited about a game getting a release date, even if it's one that I'm 100% sure will be an amazing experience on the PS5.
You think this game will make Sony hundreds of millions of dollars profit?
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
Yeah this is going to be their way out. Sony will state: Launch games are the ones that launch the first year of the console, and HFW launches few months later.
Launch titles are games that launch alongside the console…….


I'm amazed at the apologizing in this thread for a trillion dollar corporation. Spin up, though. Spin up.

Stay strong, console users. Stay strong.
Quit this crap. No one on here will ever accuse me of being a Sony fanboy, I just don’t like misinformation being spread. HFW isn’t a launch title so it doesn’t fit the statement that all launch titles have a free upgrade path. End of story.
 
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Mabdia

Member
Well... we live in a world where Sony can say that they really care about next gen but releases their games in a 8 years old console. They release a console and the revision looks like operates in a warmer temperatures... Their games isn't exclusives anymore (A lot coming to PC, damn! They even released a game on Xbox!!!) They can do whatever they want. In the end of the day, people will give their money to Sony.

I used to be a Sony fan. But the showed the middle finger to me more then once. I really miss the days of Jack Trenton and Andrew House. Not to mention Kaz and Shuhei...
 

Nickolaidas

Banned
So Timmy buys this for PS4 cause he can't find a PS5 or can't afford it yet. Buys Horizon for PS4. Gets a PS5 in the Spring and has to rebuy the same game at full price? That's fucked. It's the same game on the same store. Quit trying to justify this, warriors.
Unless I misread, little Timmy only has to spend 10 bucks more. I mean, he already gave a thousand bucks to a scalper, what's ten bucks more? 🤣
 
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