Horizon Forbidden West launch sales have skyrocketed the game to the second best-selling game of the PS5. Less than a week after launch, Horizon Forbidden West has become the second biggest launch title of the PS5, just behind Spider-Man: Miles Morales and overtaking last year’s FIFA 22. Horizon Forbidden West also beat out last week’s top sellers in the UK, Pokemon: Arceus and Dying Light 2.
According to Gamesindustry.biz, 68% of Horizon Forbidden West’s total physical launch sales were for the PS5 version of the game. The rest, making up nearly a third of all physical sales, was for the PS4. These numbers will likely change after digital download sales numbers release later in the week.
The game’s release came alongside a resupply in PS5 console stocks, which also resulted in an increase in sales for other PS5 titles such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Specifically, Spider-Man: Miles Morales saw a significant 90% increase in sales compared to the previous week.
Horizon Forbidden West physical sales down from Zero Dawn
While Forbidden West’s launch has been quite impressive, its physical launch sales were nowhere near the series’ previous title. Horizon Forbidden West saw a 35% decline in physical sales compared to Horizon Zero Dawn. It’s important to note, however, that these numbers do not take into account digital downloads. The continued scarcity of PS5 consoles is also likely a contributing factor.
Furthermore, the fact that PS5 sales were nearly double the PS4 version could spell trouble for Sony as well. Last week, a lawyer voiced concern over the game’s pricing scheme which lists the PS5 version as $70 compared to the PS4’s $60, even though the PS4 version comes with a free upgrade path. Because of this, the lawyer pointed out that Sony could be accused of deceptive marketing, which could be grounds for a class-action lawsuit.
In other news, a streamer has recently showcased how Activision’s new Ricochet Anti-Cheat software allows players to destroy cheaters in-game without taking damage. A director at Guerrilla Games also revealed that Horizon Forbidden West was delayed in order to avoid crunch.
