The Horizon series is experiencing a surge in popularity, with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and Lego Horizon Adventures on the horizon, and more in the pipeline beyond the anticipated third installment. According to Bloomberg’s video game reporter Jason Schreier, the next franchise release won’t be the third main game, but an online multiplayer project currently in development.
Speaking on the Spawn Wave podcast, Schreier indicated that “Horizon online is their next project, not whatever the third single-player game looks like, so that one might be a ways off.” The discussion begins around the 54:27 mark.
Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West.
PlayStation’s Live-Service Strategy and the Horizon Online Gamble
PlayStation has been increasingly focused on live-service games in recent years, resulting in both successes, such as Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers 2, and failures like Concord, which was shut down shortly after launch due to poor sales. This mixed track record, combined with recent layoffs and restructuring at Bungie (requiring resource reallocation to Marathon and a revised Destiny 2 strategy), raises questions about the viability of a Horizon online game in a competitive market dominated by giants like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
Schreier expressed uncertainty about the demand for a Horizon online game, stating, “Guerrilla is an interesting place, because they’re working on this Horizon online game that — I’m not sure how many people want that.” He highlighted the upcoming remaster and Lego game, posing the question, “What happens if neither of those hit, and it turns out there isn’t a ton of interest in Horizon anymore? Are they still gonna be doing the online game?” He further emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Guerrilla’s strategy and the online project.
The Future of Live-Service Games at PlayStation
Sony’s live-service portfolio includes Haven Studios’ Fairgame$, currently in development, as well as the canceled The Last of Us Online. Schreier noted that the Horizon online project is one of the few that hasn’t been canceled.
The Uncertain Future of Horizon’s Online Venture
While the Horizon series enjoys current popularity, the success of the upcoming remaster and Lego game will likely influence the future of the online project. The challenging live-service landscape adds another layer of complexity, making the Horizon online game a risky endeavor for PlayStation. Only time will tell if this venture can capture a substantial audience and thrive in the competitive online gaming market.
