Sony Makes Burning Shores DLC of Horizon Forbidden West Exclusive to PlayStation 5 for Improved Cloud Graphics

Sony’s Decision to Make Burning Shores DLC of Horizon Forbidden West a PlayStation 5 Exclusive

Sony’s upcoming game, Horizon Forbidden West, is one of the most anticipated video games of 2022. The game has garnered attention from fans worldwide not only because it looks amazing but also due to the hype surrounding its exclusive DLC, Burning Shores. But on March 30, Sony revealed that Burning Shores would only be available on the PlayStation 5. This decision sparked controversy among fans who were waiting for the new release.

Sony provided answers to fans’ questions in a post on their official PlayStation blog. According to the post, the PlayStation 4’s technology cannot handle the graphics required by Burning Shores, which is why the DLC will be exclusive to the PS5.

Horizon Forbidden West Required Expanded Technology for Cloud Graphics

The development of Horizon Forbidden West made users eager to experience it with improved cloud graphics when compared to Horizon Zero Dawn. Due to Guerrilla’s Atmospherics team’s efforts and years-long work, an open-world volumetric cloud system was developed specifically for Horizon Forbidden West.

The team aimed to create an environment that felt endless and vast like a horizon. The team used voxel technology to elevate players’ experience in Horizon Forbidden West that allowed a realistic animation of clouds.

Andrew Schneider and Nathan Vos developed a highly efficient open-world volumetric cloud system for Horizon Zero Dawn and expanded it further for Horizon Forbidden West. It supported changes in time and day and created the sense of living and breathing world.

For Burning Shores DLC, Guerrilla elevated players’ experience using voxel technology with numerous technical improvements throughout the world. The team handled large quantities of volumetric voxel data to make cloudscape act as both background element and environment for players flying through at low altitudes.

Cloud Development in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores

Narae Lee, the Guerrilla Community Manager, revealed that artists have been working on developing clouds for Horizon Forbidden West for several years. Clouds in video games can convey mood and punctuate the world with emotion. Guerrilla built upon the cloud system developed for Horizon Zero Dawn in 2017 to create the skyline of Burning Shores.

The principal tech programmer and principal FX artist worked together to develop a volumetric cloud system that stored clouds as instructions on creating 3D clouds from limited 2D information. The pair was able to write a voxel cloud renderer that allowed the player to fly through highly detailed cloud formations.

Burning Shores DLC set to release exclusively for PS5 on April 19, 2023, is not only about exploring tunnels, caves and other surprises but also about experiencing improved graphics due to the use of voxel technology.

Sony’s Push to Encourage Players into PS5 Ecosystem

Sony’s decision to make Burning Shores a PlayStation 5 exclusive might be an attempt to encourage players into their PS5 ecosystem. Sony plans to make more exclusive games available for PS5 only.

Without owning a PS5, players will not be able to experience improved graphics during gameplay entirely. However, the burning shores DLC would still be available for PlayStation 4 owners, although with an inferior graphics experience.

In conclusion, fans eagerly expect Horizon Forbidden West, which promises amazing gaming experience with realistic graphics of clouds developed by Guerrilla’s Atmospherics team with voxel technology. But unfortunately, fans without a PS5 console will miss out on the improved graphic experience provided by Burning Shore DLC.

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