IGN – Horizon Forbidden West Expansion’s Exquisite Cloud Technology is a Key Factor in its Exclusivity to PS5

Horizon Forbidden West, the highly-anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, has been making waves throughout the gaming community ever since its announcement. With stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and an intriguing storyline set in a post-apocalyptic world, it’s no wonder that fans are eagerly awaiting its release. However, one aspect of the game that has been garnering particular attention is its use of cloud technology – a feature that has led to it being exclusively available on Sony’s next-gen console, the PS5. In this article, we explore why this decision was made and what players can expect from the use of impressive cloud tech in Horizon Forbidden West.


The developers of Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores upgraded the game’s clouds system to make the open-world cloudscape look more realistic. However, the expansion will be exclusive to PS5 because only the PS5 can handle the upgraded clouds system. Senior community manager Narae Lee explained that the voxel technology used for the cloud system in Horizon Zero Dawn in 2015 was expanded to support changes to the time of day, realistic animations, and flying through clouds in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. The developers created “Frankencloudscapes” that tested the quality and performance of the cloud rendering process. The PS5 has the hardware to handle the upgraded cloud power, which is why the DLC will not be available on the PS4. Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores comes out on April 19th.


In conclusion, Horizon Forbidden West’s impressive cloud technology is undoubtedly a big reason why it will be a PS5 exclusive. While some may view this as a controversial decision, it’s important to remember that the game’s innovative use of the PS5’s hardware and software capabilities is sure to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. With stunning graphics and an immersive open world, Horizon Forbidden West is set to be an unforgettable journey through a post-apocalyptic world unlike any other. As we eagerly await its release, it’s safe to say that Horizon Forbidden West is set to be one of the biggest games of 2021 for PlayStation fans.