In a surprising move, Sony Interactive Entertainment has gone back on its decision to not allow an upgrade path for Horizon Forbidden West. This update comes as a response to the backlash Sony received for the not giving consumers a way to upgrade to the PS5 version of Forbidden West.

Fans were naturally disappointed to know that there wouldn't be an upgrade path to the next-generation version of the game, free or paid. Given that it is difficult to find a PS5 in stores, some fans may have to start their journey on the PS4 version. As expected, they were shocked to learn that they would have to purchase Horizon again in order to play the improved PS5 version, but as a result of this backlash, Sony has updated the post on the official PlayStation Blog with new information.

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Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, states that Sony realized that it made a commitment to offer free upgrades for all of the PS5's cross-generation launch titles, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the release date for Horizon Forbidden West was pushed out of this launch window. Sony has now decided that it will stand by that offer, and anyone who purchases the PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost.

Ryan also took this opportunity to confirm that going forward, all newly released cross-generation games will be eligible for an upgrade from PS4 to PS5 for a price of $10. This applies to all upcoming cross-generation games, such as the sequel to God of War and Gran Turismo 7, published by Sony. Fans will be pleased to note that both digital and physical editions of the games will be eligible for this upgrade.

Offering a paid move for all future cross-generation titles was an expected outcome of this incident, but allowing fans to upgrade Horizon for free is a pleasant surprise. Given that the PS4 version of the game costs $60 while the PS5 version costs $70, it makes no sense to buy the latter when the upgrade is available at no extra cost.

This isn’t the first time Sony has gone back on a decision after fan backlash in recent memory. Earlier this year, SIE decided not to shut down the digital storefronts on PS3 and PS Vita after receiving a similar response from consumers. Regardless, fans now have more clarity on how these upgrades will work for all future games published by Sony.

Horizon Forbidden West releases for PS4 and PS5 on February 18, 2022.

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