Sony’s Plans for the Horizon Franchise

Sony’s plans to expand the Horizon franchise include several key aspects, particularly regarding an upcoming Horizon Online Multiplayer experience. The vision for the series is evolving, and fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

Horizon Online Multiplayer Game as a Service

One of the pivotal projects in development is a multiplayer game, described as a game service. This ambitious venture is being crafted by Guerrilla Games, known for their success with the Horizon series. The move towards a multiplayer format marks a significant step for the studio, comparable to their initial creation of the franchise.

Transitioning to Multiplayer

The shift to a multiplayer experience requires innovative approaches and resources. Guerrilla Games is deeply committed to ensuring that this new format aligns with the beloved elements of the Horizon series. This transition is viewed as both exciting and challenging for the studio.

Collaboration and Development

To facilitate this ambitious project, Guerrilla Games is partnering with South Korean company NCSoft Corporation. This collaboration aims to enhance the multiplayer aspect of the game significantly. NCSoft brings extensive experience in the development of online services, which is invaluable for crafting an engaging multiplayer environment.

Addressing Development Challenges

Despite the excitement, the project presents numerous challenges. Guerrilla Games has acknowledged that adapting to a multiplayer experience requires a fundamental shift in their development approach. This is a substantial challenge, but one they are prepared to undertake for the future of the franchise.

Release Plans and Job Openings

Recent job postings at Guerrilla Games suggest that the Horizon Online Multiplayer game could be set for release in 2025. One of the listings highlights the need for a team focused on online projects, indicating preparations for a launch in the first half of that year. This timing aligns with the studio’s overall strategy for expanding the Horizon franchise.

What to Expect from the Release

Fans are keen to witness how this multiplayer format will blend with the rich narrative established in previous Horizon titles. The anticipated release aims to excite the community, promising new adventures in a familiar yet innovative environment.

Future Single-Player Adventures

In addition to the multiplayer game, Guerrilla Games is simultaneously working on a single-player continuation of Aloy’s adventures. While specific release dates remain unclear, Jason Schreier of Bloomberg has noted that much time may pass before this narrative-focused sequel launches.

Continuing Aloy’s Journey

The ongoing dedication to Aloy’s character ensures that the essence of the series—exploration and discovery—will continue to thrive. Fans can expect both emotional storytelling and engaging gameplay as the franchise expands.

Expanding the Horizon Universe

The Horizon franchise is not limited to mainline games. It is diversifying through various spin-offs, including Call of the Mountain for PSVR2 and LEGO Horizon Adventures. This strategy demonstrates Sony’s investment in broadening the franchise’s appeal and exploring new genres.

Franchise Growth and Investor Interest

This expansion highlights a commitment to growing and diversifying the intellectual property, attracting new audiences while satisfying existing fans. The introduction of various types of gameplay ensures that players with different preferences can enjoy the Horizon universe.

Potential Risks and Concerns

Despite the positive outlook, there are concerns regarding the success of the multiplayer project. Prior cancellations of multiplayer projects associated with other franchises, such as The Last of Us and Marvel’s Spider-Man, bring a level of caution. Fans hope that lessons learned from these experiences will guide the development of the new title.

Managing Expectations

While there are legitimate concerns, optimism remains strong in the gaming community. The track record of Guerrilla Games provides confidence that they will successfully navigate these challenges. The player’s experience will ultimately define the success of this new endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the next game in the Horizon series? The next title will be a multiplayer game service developed by Guerrilla Games.
• When is the expected release of this game? The release is anticipated in 2025, although exact dates are not yet confirmed.
• Who is involved in the game’s development? Guerrilla Games is collaborating with South Korean company NCSoft Corporation.
• Will there be a continuation of Aloy’s single-player story? Yes, a continuation of Aloy’s adventures is in the works, though release times remain unspecified.
• What other projects are associated with the Horizon franchise? The franchise is expanding through spin-offs like Call of the Mountain for PSVR2 and LEGO Horizon Adventures.

Conclusion

The future of the Horizon franchise looks bright with exciting developments on the horizon. Fans eagerly await the upcoming Horizon Online Multiplayer experience and the continuation of Aloy’s journey. As Sony navigates this expansion, the world of Horizon promises both challenges and rewards, fostering continued interest and engagement.