PlayStation could be about to suffer another big loss with the release of LEGO Horizon Adventures. For a game like Adventures on the horizon going in such a drastically different direction from the main titles meant that the game’s potential success was uncertain. Even so, Adventures on the horizonThe current numbers certainly won’t be what Sony, Guerilla Games or Studio Gobo expected.
This defeat could be devastating for a platform looking to broaden its appeal to gamers. With the release of more family-friendly titles and a slew of PC ports for exclusive consoles, Sony is clearly making a conscious effort to make the PlayStation more accessible. However, these attempts at accessibility brought about some confusing decisions that resulted in some serious mistakes for the PlayStation.
Player numbers paint a sad picture
Crossover doesn’t appeal to LEGO or Horizon players
Although it launched less than a week ago, current Steam numbers for LEGO Horizon Adventures they don’t look good. SteamDBGame analysis shows that Adventures on the horizon reached a peak of 602 players at its launchand the title hasn’t come close to that peak since. For context, Concordiaown disastrous launch (via SteamDB again) still managed to reach a peak of 697 players during the game’s short lifespan before PlayStation pulled the plug. Although these numbers do not reflect Adventures on the horizon‘ sales on PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch are certainly not a good sign.
These numbers are certainly disappointing, although not that surprising. Adventures on the horizonThe baffling premise itself is a likely cause of the game’s downfall. While LEGO is no stranger to adapting popular franchises, the decision to adapt an IP specifically aimed at a more mature audience will likely create confusion towards younger audiences, LEGO titles are aimed.
Adventures on the horizon it also replaces an alternative family-friendly title that has the same broad appeal while offering something wholly original. Adventures on the horizonCompromising on a more familiar LEGO experience is detrimental as it doesn’t offer anything newwhile Horizon fans feel like the series isn’t getting the attention or passion it deserves. The game is banking its success on LEGO recognition and Horizonbut, in doing so, the title ends up alienating the two audiences for which it was made.
Astro Bot shows how PlayStation should handle family-friendly gaming
PlayStation benefits from more ambitious titles
The release of Adventures on the horizon It’s even more confusing when Astrobot was released just two months earlier. This game is an excellent example of the family experiences that PlayStation should offer. Astrobot exudes charm and childlike wonder in every moment of the game, making it an ideal experience for younger players. Yet, Astrobot It also stands out for its creativity, making the most of the DualSense’s capabilities to give the adorable robot a diverse move set, while creating levels that challenge the player to consider the skills at their disposal.
Astrobot stands out where Adventures on the horizon fails, as the title actively strives to push the 3D platformer genre forward thanks to its versatile mechanics and ambitious level design. Astrobot is also more focused on appealing to a wider audience, with a series of levels that appropriately increase the difficulty, while the DLC speedrunning levels challenge the experience of more experienced players, allowing for a rewarding experience regardless of the player’s skill. Astrobot is much more confident in its broad-appeal identity and mission than Adventures on the horizon failed to demonstrate.
Sony didn’t have the best 2024
Sony’s PlayStation Network Push Caused Backlash
The enormous loss that LEGO Horizon Adventures could only cause Sony to add to a controversy-filled year for the company. Earlier this year, the launch of the long-awaited Helldivers 2 faced major backlash when Sony instituted the requirement that PC gamers link a PlayStation Network account to play the game upon release. While the PSN requirement was eventually removed, Sony’s decision to do so remains perplexing.
THE Helldivers 2 The controversy is another example of Sony’s self-sabotage in its mission for greater appeal and accessibility, as the company sets its own obstacles to achieving its goal. The pressure for gamers to link a PSN account is a senseless barrier that shows Sony’s strange disregard for gamers who choose to play PlayStation games on PC instead of comforting. Sony has yet to learn from this lesson, forcing PC gamers to link a PSN account to play single-player games like God of War: Ragnarökonce again punishing players who choose to play on PC.
With the launch of LEGO Adventures on the horizon, ConcordiaThe failure of 2024 and the PSN debacle should serve as a wake-up call for Sony as it continues to make the PlayStation more accessible. If the company truly wants to broaden the PlayStation’s appeal, it must ensure that all steps are taken to remove potential barriers or consumer confusion. By delivering a more consistent message about PlayStation’s accessibility, the company could see great success in the future for both console and PC.