It sounds like Horizon Forbidden West will be coming out later this year. A new PlayStation Blog post detailing a Q&A with the head of PlayStation Studios has suggested that the much-talked-about game is “on track to release this holiday season.” When exactly that could be, however, is yet to be confirmed.
PlayStation head Hermen Hulst explained in the Q&A that because Horizon Forbidden West is such a narrative-driven game, it relies heavily on performance capture and the talent of its actors. Access to those components affects the team’s ability to produce a high-quality game on a strict timeline, and therefore it is difficult to determine an exact release date at this time. Hype surrounding Horizon Forbidden West has been building ever since it was announced in June 2020. Lately, however, the game has been a hot topic of conversation, particularly for its wildly successful State of Play showcase and controversy surrounding the appearance of its protagonist, Aloy.
Horizon Forbidden West is the highly anticipated follow up to Horizon Zero Dawn, which was hugely successful when it debuted four years ago. Lauded as one of the best action-adventure RPGs of all time, it was loved by fans for its captivating narrative, fascinating lore, and compelling combat. It is no wonder, then, that Horizon Forbidden West has been stirring up such excitement and controversy. Fans are eager for the opportunity to explore new underwater territory, face novel enemies, and possibly dive deeper into the series’ lore.
Although the mention of Horizon Forbidden West during the Q&A was brief, Hulst did mention that the game would be released for both PS4 and PS5. He also spoke to PlayStation’s commitment to the quality of the game, stating that there is no intention of risking quality or the health and well-being of the team. It is for that reason that, although they are aiming for a holiday release, it cannot be guaranteed. If it comes down to choosing between an earlier release or maintaining the integrity and excellence of the game—well, it seems clear where they stand.
