PlayStation Reportedly Reboots “Horizon Hunters Gathering” to Ditch Live-Service Elements
Sony is reportedly hitting the reset button on “Horizon Hunters Gathering,” the upcoming multiplayer spinoff of the critically acclaimed “Horizon” franchise. The game, initially envisioned as a live-service title, is now undergoing a major overhaul to remove those elements and transform it into a more traditional cooperative experience. This move signals a potential shift in Sony’s strategy regarding live-service games, which have faced numerous challenges and setbacks in recent years.
A New Direction for “Horizon Hunters Gathering”
“Horizon Hunters Gathering,” developed by Guerrilla Games, was first announced in February as a cartoony multiplayer adventure set in the world of Aloy. The game promised tactical three-player co-op action against deadly machines, drawing comparisons to Capcom’s “Monster Hunter” series. However, feedback from closed playtests reportedly fell short of expectations, prompting Sony to order a complete reboot.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Guerrilla Games has been working on this overhaul since June. The goal is to strip away the live-service components and create a more focused cooperative multiplayer game with a story mode and a smaller scope. This means players can expect a more contained experience without the constant updates, microtransactions, and ongoing content drops typically associated with live-service titles.
The pressure is on for this reboot to succeed. Sources indicate that Guerrilla Games has until December to impress PlayStation executives with the game’s progress. While not officially canceled, its future hangs in the balance. This overhaul also highlights a broader trend within Sony, which seems to be reassessing its ambitious plans for live-service games.
A Rocky Road for Sony’s Live-Service Ambitions
“Horizon Hunters Gathering” is just the latest chapter in a series of challenges faced by Sony in its pursuit of live-service success. The company has been plagued by canceled projects, disastrous launches, and ultimately, a reassessment of its overall strategy.
The ill-fated “Concord,” which lasted only a couple of weeks before being shut down due to low player numbers, serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved. Similarly, Naughty Dog’s highly anticipated “The Last of Us” multiplayer game was abruptly canceled, leaving fans disappointed and developers feeling blindsided.
In 2022, Sony announced plans to launch over 10 live-service games by March 2026, a goal that now seems increasingly unattainable. The company has since scaled back its ambitions, committing to launching only six of those games by the end of fiscal year 2025.
The director of “The Last of Us” multiplayer spinoff spoke out about the devastating impact of its cancellation, attributing it to Sony’s overzealous push into live-service gaming during the pandemic boom. He explained that the industry saw a surge in online gaming as people sought connection and entertainment while stuck at home. However, as the world returned to normal, player engagement waned, forcing Sony to reevaluate its spending and ultimately cancel projects like “The Last of Us” multiplayer.
What’s Next for “Horizon Hunters Gathering”?
While details about the rebooted version of “Horizon Hunters Gathering” are scarce, players can expect a more focused cooperative experience with a story mode. The game is still planned for release on PlayStation 5 and PC, but a new launch window has not been announced.
It remains to be seen how this shift in direction will impact the overall vision for “Horizon Hunters Gathering.” However, one thing is clear: Sony’s journey into the world of live-service gaming has been far from smooth sailing, and this reboot represents a significant turning point.
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