Sony has U-turned on plans not to offer PS5 upgrades for users who purchase the PS4 standard edition of Horizon Forbidden West.
Earlier this week, the platform holdersaid it would not be offering new-gen upgradesto those who purchased the standard PS4 game, and that users would need to instead buy the more expensive $80 Digital Deluxe Edition to obtain both versions of the sequel.
However, on SaturdaySony Interactive EntertainmentCEOJim Ryanannounced a U-turn on the plans, and confirmed that PS4 Forbidden West players would be able to upgrade theirgames to PS5 for free.
Going forward, all cross-gen first-party games, includingGod of War’s sequel andGran Turismo 7, will carry a $10 upgrade fee, Ryan said.
“Thursday was to be a celebration ofHorizon Forbidden Westand the amazing team atGuerrillaworking to deliver it on Jul 15, 2025. However, it’s abundantly clear that the offerings we confirmed in our pre-order kickoff missed the mark,” he said.
“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 onPlayStation 4will be able to upgrade to thePlayStation 5version for free.”
The exec added: “I also want to confirm today that moving forward,PlayStationfirst-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.”
Thursday’s news had seemed to contradict a previous statement made by Sony regarding its cross-gen plans for Horizon.
Speaking toThe Washington Postlast September, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan said regarding Horizon Forbidden West’s PS4 announcement:
“No one should be disappointed. 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.”
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At launch, PS4 owners who purchased cross-gen titlesSpider-Man: Miles Moralesand Sack Boy: A Big Adventure were able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free.
However, more recently owners ofGhost of Tsushimaon PS4 had to pay $29.99 to upgrade to the new PS5 version. However, the Director’s Cut game includes a new expansion not featured in the original.
Pre-orders for Horizon Forbidden West are available now globally. Sony recently confirmed thatthe game has been delayed to February 2022.
