In case the abundance of merchandise didn't already give things away, Sony's banking on Horizon: Zero Dawn being the next big thing. And just to reinforce that point, PlayStation UK boss Warren Light has stated in an interview with Games Industry.biz that the platform holder's "backing" the brand new intellectual property hard.
To be honest, we can't remember the last time the platform holder doubled down this hard on an original endeavour. The Last of Us is probably the best point of comparison, but even then things seemed more subdued surrounding that game until it became a critical sensation. Outside of that, you'd probably have to go back to the likes of Resistance: Fall of Man and LittleBigPlanet.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 19
Yeah, for a new IP, it has a very recognisable identity already. I'd say Sony has done a good job of communicating the type of game we can expect from Horizon (especially recently) and it's pretty obvious they have a lot of faith in it. If it turns out well, it'll probably be a big deal for Guerrilla and Sony.
Really hope that Horizon can live up to expectations. Like your article mentioned recently, I still have some reservations about the storyline, but it looks spectacular in every other way. Either way I can't see myself buying it before the summer unfortunately, but hope it does well.
I'm a little worried about all this marketing... How is a game supposed to satisfy this level of expectation?
@RenanKJ By selling millions of copies, I guess.
I do think there's a bit of a longer play going on here. I think they have hopes for this beyond the first game. I imagine Guerrilla will start work on a sequel almost immediately TBH.
@get2sammyb It's gonna sell millions, no doubt, but what about the reviews and opinions of gamers? I wouldn't want to be in the skin of the developers, hehe, there's probably a lot of pressure on them.
Based on current promotional material and gameplay footage, i'd put Horizon in between Zelda (#1) and Andromeda (#3) in terms of it's potential to take off. All 3 are poised to take a different approach to open world mechanics. So in March, there really is an open world game for everyone.
Its clear that Guerrilla Games have created something that has a lot of marketing potential. The Robots are instantly recognisable and marketable too. Not only from models/statues but could be turned into 'toys'. The world is not always 'dark and moody' but bright and colourful which lends itself to a range of products too. It has a lot of identity and whether the game is 'good or bad', its instantly recognisable and I am sure that many people, not just gamers, could find something appealing. Even the cover art alone looks great. If you saw that as a poster and not know it was a game specifically, it looks like it could be an interesting movie, TV series, range of kids toys or video game.
I don't think Sony need to 'hype' it up as such. Ever since its initial reveal at E3, its been anticipated - its already won Best Original Game at the Game Critics Awards in 2015 and 2016 and nominated for others - like most anticipated - this before it releases.
I don't think Sony would get behind Wild, Dreams or Detroit for example to the same degree unless there was as much positive feedback from the critics - even if they were as marketable. To me it seems that Sony know they have something 'special' and marketable and jumping in rather than trying to push something. Like I said, even if you haven't or can't play the game, the robos look like they could make great toys for kids, Aloy could be good role model (like Lara Croft) and great Cosplay potential, It looks like it could make a great film/tv series, animated series etc - the scope looks massive for this from a marketing aspect and I am sure Sony know that and its not as if its gone under many critics or gamers radar since its reveal.
@RedMageLanakyn Both Zelda and Mass Effect are established franchises, though.
Fingers crossed it turns out well. Do we know whether we can expect reviews before release at this point?
@get2sammyb Neither franchise has had an entry this generation though, so I'm considering them all fresh. Zelda is looking to shake things up compared to their previous 3D entries, in what appears to be a step in the right direction.
Mass Effect worries me, as it looks like they're heavily leaning towards multiplayer, and has a pretty big focus on spamming abilities over decent gameplay.
Horizon looks like a mash up of the best parts of Tomb Raider/Monster Hunter/Assassin's Creed. It looks good so far, and I think it will carve it's own place in the open world genre. Looking forward to a review from you guys, on both ME and Horizon!
This had better be good as people's expectations are now so high. Personally I'm not that hyped for it so am less likely to be disappointed.
I'd love a new Resistance game but sadly Insomniac aren't interested.
@RedMageLanakyn Yeah but Zelda and Mass Effect are still some of the biggest brands in gaming even if they have been absent for a few years.
Horizon won't touch either title commercially because it's completely unproven.
@get2sammyb That's a given, especially considering Zelda is launching on two platforms and ME on three. I'm not disputing on who will sell more copies, i'm just stating what I believe to be each game taking a different approach to the open world genre. If horizon meets expectations for Sony and is received well, we'll surely see a sequel that can then start to contend with the established franchises.
I have a feeling this is going to be a big one folks. I don't have alot of gaming time or desire to play alot so i tend to collect and accumulate my backlog....Horizon is and has been on my radar. I'm anxiously awaiting this one. I'm getting a Switch as well even though i can play Zelda on my Wii U, but Zero Dawn has my attention, in fact I'm sitting on the Artbook preordered in addition to the Collector's Edition and i don't bet big too often. Rooting for ya GG and Sony!
Has some interesting voice acting
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/826088858810998785
They're putting a new IP up against Zelda. They'd better back it hard. I know I'll only be getting it months after launch because of this.
sony's first party marketing is usually one of its weakest aspects, so it's either got massive faith in the game, or its rumoured budget is so colossal it's branching out the product line as far as it can to recoup the costs..
This game looks terrific but I'm waiting to read some reviews about the gameplay before I shell out my money.
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