# Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered – A Steam Letdown Highlighted by Mixed Feedback and Low Player Counts
Sony’s latest launch of *Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered* on Steam has faced numerous challenges. Even with the original game’s notable success and praise from critics, the remastered edition has struggled to replicate that magic, both in player interaction and critical reception. While Steam reviews are tepid, the most concerning factor is the strikingly low player counts, leading many to question the need for and execution of this remaster.
## A Disappointing Launch
Launched on October 31, 2024, *Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered* was anticipated to rejuvenate Guerrilla Games’ cherished open-world action RPG. However, only three days post-release, the game logged just **2,383 concurrent players** on Steam, peaking at an all-time high of merely **2,538 users** on launch day. These figures are disheartening for a fresh release, particularly for a title with such a reputable history.
Adding to the troubles, the original PC version of *Horizon: Zero Dawn*, which debuted in 2020, continues to boast superior player counts. On November 3, 2024, the original edition had **2,872 concurrent players**, nearly 500 more than its remastered counterpart. This glaring disparity underscores a significant issue: players are not seeing enough value in the remaster to consider switching from the original.
## Mixed Reviews Reflect Player Discontent
The remastered version has also faced challenges in winning over players in review scores. Currently, *Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered* sits with a **63% positive rating** on Steam, a considerable drop from the **76% positive rating** of the original PC version. The remaster has been met with criticism for several reasons, including:
– **Insufficient improvements**: Numerous players believe the remaster lacks enough new features or enhancements to warrant its release, especially given the solid upgrades made in the 2020 PC port.
– **New technical issues**: Despite its remastered status, the game has introduced fresh bugs, frustrating players who anticipated a refined experience.
– **PSN account obligation**: One of the most scrutinized aspects is the enforced PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement, which has frustrated existing players and alienated potential new buyers, especially in regions lacking PSN access.
The original game maintains an **87% overall positive rating**, though it has recently seen a slight dip, as some users vocalize their frustration regarding the PSN account necessity for the remaster in its review section. This spillover of negative sentiment has further impacted the remaster’s standing.
## What Accounts for the Low Player Counts?
Several elements have contributed to the remaster’s lackluster performance regarding player counts and reviews:
### 1. **Lack of Significant Enhancements**
When *Horizon: Zero Dawn* was transitioned to PC in 2020, it already received a plethora of upgrades compared to the 2017 PlayStation 4 version, including improved graphics, enhanced frame rates, and other technical advancements. With only minor technological strides since then, the remasted version does not present enough new content or enhancements to draw players back. Consequently, many feel that the remaster is unnecessary, especially so soon after the original PC release.
### 2. **High Pricing**
The remaster’s pricing model has also been a point of debate. Players owning the original PC version are charged an extra **€10** for the upgrade, while new purchasers must pay a steep **€50**. Given the lack of substantial improvements, many players view the remaster as not worth the cost, particularly with the original version often discounted to **€20** during sales. The elevated price has discouraged both returning and new players from acquiring the remaster.
### 3. **PSN Account Requirement**
The requirement for a PSN account is arguably the most contentious element of the remaster. This has been a significant issue for many gamers, particularly those who prefer to keep their gaming experiences on Steam or Epic Games Store separate from PlayStation’s environment. Furthermore, the PSN stipulation has effectively excluded players in areas where PSN is unavailable, like various parts of Asia and Africa. This has drastically impacted the remaster’s potential player base and contributed to its negative reviews.
### 4. **Intense Competition from Other Titles**
The remaster is also contending with stiff competition from other recent releases. For instance, the PC version of *Red Dead Redemption* has performed well, despite not being marketed as a remaster. With a plethora of improvements…