Horizon Zero Dawnis being brought to the upcoming PlayStation generation thanks to its latest remaster, but it still can’t seem to break the franchise’s infamous release date curse. Ever since the first game came out in 2017,each installment in theHorizonfranchise has been plagued with unfortunate release timings close to other major game titles. After nearly 8 years, this curse remains unbroken, with the release ofHorizon’snewest remaster lining up alongside one of the most anticipated PC ports in gaming history.
After leaking a few months prior,theRed Dead RedemptionPC Portfinally has a release date, which is unfortunately only 3 days before theHorizon Zero Dawn Remaster. While this release is fantastic news for countless players who can finally experience the classic cowboy experience and its DLC in the highest fidelity yet, it’s still a sore spot for fans of Aloy and her adventures. DespiteRed DeadandHorizononly sharing some surface gameplay similarities, it’s likely thatHorizon’ssocial presence will once again be overshadowed by the re-release of this beloved classic.
A Series Of Unfortunate Release Schedules
ManyHorizonfans are used to these unfortunate industry timings, becoming somewhat of a running joke in the community trying to predict what huge game will be released alongside the next entry in the franchise. Going back to the initial release ofHorizon Zero Dawn, Nintendo’s groundbreakingBreath of the Wildcame out only 6 days later, back in 2017. WhileHorizonhad some time to grab players' attention beforehand,BOTWtook the gaming industry by storm, easily becoming one of the most popular games of the year, let alone the month.
Horizon Zero Dawn Devs Reportedly Working On The Series' Next Game, & It’s Not LEGO
A recent report claims that Guerilla Games is working on the next entry in the Horizon franchise and it may not be what fans are hoping for.
Fans of the franchise had another comedic coincidence 5 years later with the release ofHorizon Forbidden West,once again hitting the market less than a week before the monolithicElden Ring. Many players were quick to joke about similar circumstances as before, especially after both competing titles each wonGame of the Yearrespectively. Despite these seemingly major setbacks,Horizon Zero Dawnstill became Sony’s most financially successful game in their catalog, breaking records with its 24.3 million units sold as of 2023, according to thePlayStation Blog.
Why Horizon’s Future Releases Must Break This Tradition
Giving The Horizon Game’s The Spotlight They Deserve
While it’s clear theHorizonfranchise has done well for itself despite these unfortunate release windows, it doesn’t help the game’s social presence. Many players simply don’t realize how successfulHorizonwas for Sony, becoming even more prevalent from the upcomingHorizon Zero Dawnremaster’s backlash, and confusion surrounding the upcomingLEGO Horizon Adventures.
Although each game in the franchise receives excellent sales and critical acclaim,Horizonstill has plenty of untapped potential to become the cultural icon that Sony envisions for the franchise. Thankfully for fans, theHorizonfranchise will have plenty more chances to break its apparent tradition with the excitingLEGO Horizon Adventuresor the heavily rumoredmultiplayer spin-off. More and more information has been revealed over the next big entry in the mainlineHorizonfranchise, with plenty of evidence pointing towards a multiplayer-focused direction.
LEGO Horizon Adventures: Release Window, Story, & Co-Op Gameplay Details
The rumored LEGO Horizon Adventures has been confirmed at Summer Game Fest. Here’s when it comes out, and what to expect from Aloy’s next adventure.
Being a revolutionary addition toHorizon Zero Dawn’sformula, a multiplayer game set in the world ofHorizoncould be just what the franchise needs to give it the spotlight it finally deserves. That is, as long as the studio is prepared to adjust the release date against any potential competitors.
