Sony's plans for the future of the Horizon franchise may take a different direction, leaning towards a multiplayer experience rather than a single-player sequel. According to trusted sources, Guerilla Games is reportedly developing "Horizon Online" as their next title, in line with Sony's push for live-service games. Despite a challenging year for Sony's online gaming endeavors, with both successes and high-profile failures, Jason Schreier confirmed that the Horizon series will move forward with this online focus, rather than a new single-player entry. This shift comes in light of the recent underperformance of AAA titles like Concord and the somewhat less impactful sales of "Horizon Forbidden West" compared to its predecessor, "Horizon Zero Dawn".
Will Horizon Online cater to the multiplayer gaming community effectively, or risk alienating fans of the single-player experience?While the transition to a multiplayer format may attract new players, concerns arise regarding whether it can capture the essence of storytelling and exploration that made the original games successful. Guerilla Games' past successes in creating immersive single-player experiences will be tested as they venture into the online arena with "Horizon Online".
The Horizon franchise, initiated by the critically acclaimed "Horizon Zero Dawn", has captivated players with its rich narrative and stunning open world. Fans have eagerly awaited potential sequels, but with "Horizon Online" on the horizon, it's clear that Guerilla Games aims to combine their strong storytelling capabilities with a shared world experience. The upcoming release not only continues the legacy of iconic protagonist Aloy but also challenges the studio to innovate within the multiplayer framework while ensuring the beloved elements of the series remain intact.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It's intriguing to see Guerilla Games pivot towards a multiplayer experience with Horizon Online, especially given their strengths in crafting rich narratives. I really hope they can strike a balance between the brilliant world-building fans love and the engaging gameplay that multiplayer demands; it’s a tall order, but if anyone can do it, it’s them
It’s a bold move for Guerrilla Games to pivot Horizon towards multiplayer; they’ve built a strong foundation on captivating storytelling that fans adore. I’m curious to see if they can weave that same narrative magic into a shared world without losing what made Aloy's journey so special.
It’s always a gamble when a franchise shifts from a beloved single-player format to multiplayer, and the Horizon series is no exception. Here’s hoping Guerilla Games can maintain that rich storytelling and immersive exploration we love while introducing new, engaging multiplayer elements