Until Dawn for PlayStation 4 Priced Higher Than Its Cancelled PS3 Version
The PS4 version of Until Dawn is listed for $59.99, a price increase over its cancelled PS3 Move version due to a new engine and control scheme.
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An Amazon preorder page for Until Dawn on PlayStation 4 lists the game at $59.99. This price aligns with other new releases on the console but represents a notable increase from the expected cost of the game’s original, now-cancelled PlayStation 3 version.
The Original PlayStation 3 Concept
Until Dawn was first announced at Gamescom in 2012 as a PlayStation 3 exclusive designed specifically for the PlayStation Move controller. Games built around the Move peripheral at the time, such as Sports Champions or Sorcery, often launched at a lower price than standard retail titles, typically in the $40 range. This pricing often reflected a different market segment or acknowledged the more experimental nature of many motion-controlled experiences. The original vision for Until Dawn appeared to fit this model, promising a unique horror game driven entirely by motion controls.
Rebuilt for a New Generation
The game’s re-emergence at Gamescom 2014 confirmed its move to the PlayStation 4 and revealed a fundamental transformation. The project was not simply ported; it was reportedly rebuilt from the ground up. The development team adopted an upgraded version of the Killzone: Shadow Fall engine, a powerful toolset known for its ability to produce high-end graphics on the PS4. This engine change points to a significant boost in visual fidelity, from character models and environments to lighting and atmospheric effects. The goal was clearly to deliver a next-generation presentation.
From Motion Wand to DualShock 4
Along with the technical overhaul came a complete change in controls. Sony abandoned the PlayStation Move requirement. Instead, players will control the game’s cast of eight characters using the standard DualShock 4 controller. The new control scheme utilizes the controller’s traditional button inputs for major actions and its internal motion sensors for more subtle interactions, offering a different kind of immersion. Dropping the Move peripheral makes the game accessible to all PS4 owners without requiring extra hardware. These combined factors, a new engine, enhanced graphics, and a complete control rework, are the primary justifications for the jump to a full $59.99 price tag.
Following the Gamescom 2014 presentation, the Amazon preorder page went live. While the listing includes what appear to be placeholder box art and a placeholder release date, the price is a firm detail. This positions the game as a full-priced, major exclusive for the PlayStation 4, scheduled to launch sometime in 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the price of Until Dawn increase for the PS4 version?
The price increased because the game was completely rebuilt for PlayStation 4 after its original PS3 version was cancelled. The PS4 release uses an upgraded game engine for better graphics and replaces the original PlayStation Move controls with a standard DualShock 4 scheme. These significant technical and gameplay changes resulted in it being priced as a full new release.
Was Until Dawn originally a PlayStation Move game?
Yes, Until Dawn was first announced in 2012 as a PlayStation 3 exclusive that required the PlayStation Move motion controller. Games designed for the Move peripheral were often sold at a lower price, around $40. The project was later moved to the PS4, and Move support was dropped entirely in favor of the DualShock 4 controller.
What controller does the PS4 version of Until Dawn use?
The PlayStation 4 version of Until Dawn uses the DualShock 4 controller. The original concept for the PlayStation 3 required the PlayStation Move, but that support was removed during the game's redevelopment. The final game instead uses the DualShock 4's buttons and internal motion sensors for gameplay.
What game engine does Until Dawn use on PS4?
The PlayStation 4 version of Until Dawn was rebuilt using an upgraded version of the Killzone: Shadow Fall engine. This engine, developed by Guerrilla Games, was known as a graphical showcase for the PS4 hardware, allowing for significant improvements in visuals and lighting compared to the game's original PS3 concept.