Shuhei Yoshida Expresses Surprise at Horizon Forbidden West Sales Performance

Shuhei Yoshida Surprised by Horizon Forbidden West’s Sales Performance

The former president of SIE Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, recently expressed his astonishment over the sales figures of Horizon Forbidden West. Released in 2022, the game serves as a sequel to the highly regarded Horizon Zero Dawn. It follows the protagonist, Aloy, on a captivating journey to unravel the mystery behind a devastating plague across the remnants of the western United States. Although critics lauded its stunning visuals and compelling combat, the storyline received mixed reviews.

Despite encountering challenges, such as launching alongside major titles like Elden Ring and experiencing negative review campaigns, the Horizon franchise remains a valuable asset for Sony. In the UK, Horizon Forbidden West became the second-largest launch for the PlayStation 5 at its debut. The title’s sales were further enhanced by its anticipated PC release in March 2024. As of April 2023, the game surpassed 8.4 million units sold, contributing to the franchise’s impressive tally of 32.7 million copies at that time.

Yoshida’s Insights on Sales Expectations

In a recent interview with Kinda Funny Games, Yoshida shared his thoughts on the sales performance. It marked his first public commentary since his departure from SIE Worldwide Studios in 2024. He expressed disbelief that Horizon Forbidden West did not perform as anticipated, noting that sequels often benefit from an established fanbase, which typically leads to higher sales. However, Yoshida remains passionate about the franchise and praised Forbidden West as “bigger and great.”

The Future of the Horizon Franchise

While Horizon Forbidden West may not have met all sales projections, the franchise is poised for a bright future. In 2023, a playful adaptation called LEGO Horizon Adventures was launched, marking the series’ debut on a Nintendo console. Excitingly, new projects are in the pipeline, including a third mainline game and an online multiplayer spin-off.

Aloy under water in Horizon Forbidden West

In terms of accessibility, both the base game and the 2023 Burning Shores DLC expansion recently broadened their audience following the aforementioned PC launch in March 2024. Moreover, a live-action adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn is currently in development, courtesy of Columbia Pictures in collaboration with PlayStation Productions.

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