Sony is making significant strides in expanding the Horizon franchise, with recent announcements indicating a focus on new gaming experiences. Despite setbacks in other areas, including the halted Netflix adaptation of the series due to controversy surrounding showrunner Steve Blackman, the gaming division remains active with exciting developments.
In a recent State of Play presentation, Sony unveiled the much-anticipated Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, set to launch on October 31 for both PlayStation 5 and PC. This remaster promises to enhance the gaming experience with improved character models, advanced shaders, and upgraded textures. Players can also look forward to new motion capture for conversations and enhanced camera work during dialogues, ensuring a more immersive experience.
In addition to the remaster, Guerrilla Games is collaborating with Studio Gobo on a family-friendly project titled LEGO Horizon Adventures. This spin-off aims to retell the story of the original game in a way that is more accessible to younger audiences, reflecting a strategic move to broaden the franchise’s appeal.
However, these projects are considered smaller in scale compared to the significant undertakings that Guerrilla Games is currently focused on. The studio is primarily dedicated to developing Horizon Online, a co-op game that will introduce players to a new multiplayer experience set in the Horizon universe. Additionally, a third single-player installment is in the works, though it appears to be further down the line.
Industry insider Jason Schreier, speaking on the Spawn Wave podcast, shed light on the studio’s current trajectory. He noted that while the remaster and LEGO game are exciting, the bulk of Guerrilla’s resources are directed towards Horizon Online. Schreier expressed some uncertainty regarding the public’s interest in the new online format, especially given the mixed reception of other live service games.
Despite the challenges faced by some PlayStation live service projects, including the cancellations of titles like The Last of Us Online and others, Horizon Online remains one of the few projects still in active development. This has led to speculation that Sony is prioritizing its release, especially in light of the studio’s restructuring efforts announced in April 2023.
As the gaming landscape shifts, Horizon Online is set to offer a different experience from the mainline entries in the franchise. Guerrilla has confirmed that this new installment will feature a fresh cast of characters, along with a ‘stylized look’ that diverges from the traditional aesthetic fans have come to know.
As the gaming community anticipates these new developments, questions remain about the overall direction of the franchise and the potential success of Horizon Online. Will the new co-op format resonate with fans, or will it struggle to find its audience? Only time will tell as Guerrilla Games continues to navigate this exciting yet uncertain phase of the Horizon franchise.
