Horizon Forbidden West Region Locked 10 Months After Release
Despite its unpopularity, Sony has region-locked Horizon Forbidden West, a move that has raised questions among the gaming community.
According to SteamDB, the game is now unavailable for purchase in several countries, including North Korea and Russia, due to region-locked restrictions by Sony. The decision extends to countries where the game does not require an account to play.
Sony's reasoning remains unclear, but industry experts speculate on potential factors. Some countries involved may be boycotted due to political or humanitarian reasons. Exchange rate disparities can also influence pricing decisions, as games may appear "cheaper" in countries with stronger currencies.
The practice of region-locking aims to prevent "grey market" activities, where resellers purchase games in low-priced regions and sell them at higher prices in regions with higher demand. However, this strategy has been met with criticism, particularly when considering that digital goods have no inherent production costs.
Valve previously faced backlash for region-locking games, with the EU Commissioner emphasizing consumers' right to shop for the best deals within member states. Sony's decision may be an attempt to curb grey market practices, although its impact on consumer choice is yet to be seen.