Days Gone was originally released in 2019 on PlayStation 4. The game didn't receive the highest of critical praise, but it has a large fan following and managed to make some impressive sales. The action-adventure title blends survival horror elements, and follows the protagonist on a personal quest while navigating a zombie-infested world. While it didn't receive the warmest reception at launch and had several technical issues, the game has gone from strength to strength in the eyes of some gamers. Days Gone is now in a unique position to make a second first impression and expand its following.
Days Gone was developed by Bend Studio, a first-party Sony Interactive Entertainment studio. Days Gone faced multiple delays until it finally launched in April 2019. Despite a somewhat lukewarm reception, Days Gone earned a large following on PlayStation 4 and was a financial success for Sony and Bend Studio. In Japan, Days Gone managed to outpace the lifetime sales of God of War and The Last Guardian. Days Gone could be set for a new lease on life with gamers through multiple avenues.
Days Gone Is Part Of April's PlayStation Plus Lineup
Days Gone is joining Oddworld: Soulstorm and Zombie Army 4 as a part of April 2021's PlayStation Plus lineup. While Days Gone has been available for purchase since April 2019, the title being released on PlayStation Plus could enable the game to earn more of a following. With the price point barrier out of the way, other than the cost of a PlayStation Plus subscription, this could entice some reluctant gamers to try out the game. This could be a big win for Bend Studio to get more eyes on the game, whether it's immediately after it becomes available on PS Plus, or at some point down the line.
Days Gone Has A PS5 Upgrade
Following in the same vein as God of War, Days Gone has received a PlayStation 5 upgrade. The update supports 60 FPS and also adds dynamic 4K resolution to the game. Additionally, players can transfer their PS4 saves over to the PS5 version of the game. This makes for an easy process for anyone who might be in the middle of playing it to transfer over to Sony's new console without losing progress. This convenience could allow Bend Studio to retain the game's following even during the transition to the new console generation.
For PlayStation 5 gamers, Days Gone has been available on PS Plus for some time already. Days Gone was added to the PlayStation Plus collection, a series of PS4-defining titles available to PS5 players at no extra cost. This is another avenue for Days Gone to gain more exposure. Whether a PS5 owner has played the title or not, it's available as long as there's an active PS Plus subscription. Days Gone has managed to grow a strong reputation over time, and its availability on two generations of PlayStation consoles could help it develop a greater reputation.
It's Less Buggy Now
When it was originally launched, Days Gone had several bugs which negatively impacted its review scores. Over time, Bend Studio released several updates to tackle these issues, and most consider the game to be a far more optimized experience now. It's not uncommon for a game to launch with bugs and other technical issues, but many cite this as a reason why its reviews didn't quite reach the lofty heights some expected. With the game now in a more stable state and its availability on PS4 and PS5, there could be a strong chance that Days Gone might continue to see gamers return, in addition to new players.
Days Gone Is Going To Be Released On PC
In Spring 2021, Days Gone is set to launch on PC. In 2020, Sony released Horizon Zero Dawn on PC, and now Days Gone is looking to follow in its footsteps. During its first month of release, Horizon Zero Dawn saw over 700,000 units sold on PC. This represented a strong start for the formerly Sony-exclusive game and opened up the title to a whole new audience. Days Gone has a proven track record with strong sales, and its release on PC could be no different. Many believe that Sony's decision to start releasing games on PC is mutually beneficial for developers, Sony, and PC gamers.
Not only is the game being released on PC, but Days Gone will also take advantage of PC-specific features. While Bend Studio hasn't fully elaborated on what to expect, players will be able to use unlocked frame rates and see improved graphics. Additionally, ultra-wide monitors will be supported as well. These exclusive upgrades mean that Bend Studio isn't just releasing the game on PC, but providing an enhanced version of it for PC gamers to experience. This extra level of care could be encouraging for PC gamers and prove to be motivating for some players who might have otherwise been on the fence about Days Gone.
Days Gone has become a widely appreciated PS4 game, with a lot of the credit going to Bend Studio. The team has released several updates to fix technical issues and has supported the title well in the eyes of many Days Gone fans. The game is more available than ever now with its PS5 version, accessibility on PS Plus, and impending release on PC. Days Gone has a strong chance of gaining a potent second wave of interest, thanks to the special care it's receiving for its PC release. The continued success and support of Days Gone has many fans hoping for a sequel, though there hasn't been any official word on it as of yet.
Days Gone is available now on PS4, with a PC launch coming in Spring 2021.
