Are We Ready to Admit HFW Was a Flop? | Highlighting Spinning Sales and Mixed Reactions
Edited By
Isabella Martinez
Interestingly, Shuhei Yoshida, the head of PlayStation Studios, expressed surprise at the lackluster sales of Horizon Forbidden West. Reports indicate that the game’s sales stagnated after its addition to PS Plus, leading to an estimated loss of $85 million in projected retail revenue—sparking a heated debate among gamers about whether the title can truly be labeled a flop.
Sales Situation Under Scrutiny
With Horizon Forbidden West boasting over 8.4 million copies sold by April 2023, some fans are questioning the narrative of failure. However, the reality post-PS Plus release has led to ongoing frustration within the gaming community. Many argue that giving the game away for free cannibalized its sales potential.
A recent discussion emerged among users, with sentiments swinging from outright rejection of the flop label to nuanced acknowledgment of underperformance. "Define flop? I don’t think it lost money, but it could have definitely performed better," one user claimed, portraying the divide across the community.
"The article doesn't say it suffered a loss of $85 million. It says it lost $85 million in projected revenue after it was added to PS Plus," another commentator observed.
Community Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Several key themes arose from the discussions surrounding the game, reflecting the whirlwind of opinions:
Sales Impact: Many agree the PS Plus inclusion likely hurt the sales trajectory.
Future Prospects: Some gamers see a silver lining, viewing lower sales as a path to future purchases of other titles in the franchise.
Value for Money: Criticism was leveled at the pricing structures of games in general, as users gauge worth against gameplay duration.
The community remains torn, reflecting on revenue versus player experience. Given the varied perspectives, the overall sentiment leans slightly negative, attributing blame to marketing strategies while recognizing the importance of creating wider access to games.
Current Status of Horizon Forbidden West
Following this uproar, Horizon Forbidden West continues to maintain a significant player base, demonstrating both resilience and ongoing discussion of its legacy. Developers at PlayStation are likely keen on gathering insights from this dialogue as they chart future strategies.
Notable Takeaways:
⚡ 8.4 million copies sold, raised questions on defining flops in the industry.
🔄 "Did this set dangerous precedent for PS Plus's future?"
📉 Projected losses spark conversations on free game models vs. retail success.
With fans eager to see what the future holds for the Horizon franchise, one lingering question remains: can this installment overcome its rocky start and cement itself as a gaming cornerstone? The coming months could prove pivotal.