In a move that feels out of step with consumer expectations, Sony has region-locked Horizon Forbidden West nearly ten months after its PC release. According to SteamDB and reports on forums like ResetEra, the game is no longer available for purchase in specific countries—mirroring its restrictions on PSN, even though the game itself doesn’t require a PSN account to play.
This decision has left fans scratching their heads. Why restrict access to a game that’s already been widely available for nearly a year? From a consumer standpoint, the move appears arbitrary and has sparked speculation about Sony’s motives.
Speculation on Sony’s Motivation
While Sony has not yet commented on the decision, several factors could explain the move:
- Geopolitical and Ethical Considerations
Some of the restricted countries, such as North Korea, face boycotts due to political regimes. Similarly, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led many gaming companies to withdraw support from Russia. While these actions align with broader industry trends, the application to a game like Horizon Forbidden West feels excessive given the digital nature of the product. - Economic Disparities and Pricing Issues
Exchange rates and regional pricing play a significant role. In some countries, games can be significantly cheaper when currency conversion is applied. While this is designed to accommodate local economies, it can lead to exploitation through grey market reselling. Key resellers often buy games at lower regional prices and sell them in higher-priced regions, cutting into profits and complicating the market for publishers. - The Grey Market Problem
Grey markets, while not illegal, create challenges for publishers. Sellers exploit regional pricing differences to resell digital keys for profit. For companies like Sony, this practice can undermine their pricing strategy and complicate global distribution.
Valve faced a similar dilemma in 2019 when the European Commission fined the company for region-locking games in the EU, ruling that consumers should be free to shop for the best deals across member states. This precedent highlights the complexity of balancing regional pricing with consumer rights.
A Controversial and Unpopular Decision
Restricting game sales in certain countries might simplify Sony’s operations, but it comes across as anti-consumer. Digital products don’t incur the same shipping or inventory risks as physical goods, so region-locking a nearly year-old title raises more questions than it answers. By limiting access, Sony risks alienating players and losing goodwill—something they can ill afford in the competitive gaming landscape.
Until Sony provides a clear explanation, the move remains contentious. Whether driven by financial considerations, political pressures, or attempts to curb grey market activity, this decision underscores the challenges of global game distribution. For now, fans can only hope that Sony reconsiders this puzzling policy shift.
