The developers at Guerilla Games are currently navigating a significant shift in direction for their live service co-op game set within the Horizon universe, following critical player feedback from recent playtests, as reported by Bloomberg. The title, Horizon Hunters Gathering, was initially envisioned as a vibrant live service co-op action game where players could unite as animated heroes to battle mechanical beasts. However, the reception during three playtests earlier this year was less than favorable, with one of the sessions coinciding with the Marathon server slam weekend, further complicating the situation.
Strategic Reassessment
In light of the feedback, Guerilla Games has been granted several months to reimagine the project, transitioning it from a live service format to a more traditional co-op game that emphasizes storytelling and a more contained scope. According to sources close to the situation, Sony has set a clear deadline for the team, requiring them to present a compelling milestone by December to secure the project’s future.
Should the team fail to impress the executives, Horizon Hunters Gathering risks joining the ranks of other canceled live service titles under Sony’s banner. The company has recently made headlines for discontinuing several in-development live service projects, including spinoffs from beloved franchises such as God of War, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man, all of which never reached the public eye.
Shifting Focus
Reports indicate that many developers who were initially dedicated to Horizon Hunters Gathering have been reassigned to different projects, while a smaller group remains focused on the next single-player installment in the Horizon series. This strategic pivot reflects Sony’s broader trend of distancing itself from live service games, especially in light of recent challenges faced by titles like Destiny 2.
Currently, Helldivers 2 and MLB The Show stand out as the only live service games within Sony’s portfolio that appear to be thriving. The success of MLB The Show can be attributed to its established popularity as a sports franchise, while Helldivers 2 benefits from being developed by a third-party studio. Meanwhile, the future of Fairgames, an anticipated live service heist game, remains uncertain, with reports from Insider Gaming suggesting that developers have struggled to “find the fun” in its pre-alpha version.
