Guerrilla’s next game: Horizon Online, Horizon 3 delayed.

Are You Interested in Guerrilla’s Horizon Multiplayer Live Service Game?

Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier recently revealed that Guerrilla Games’ next project is a live service game, tentatively titled Horizon Online. This news comes alongside the anticipated Horizon 3, which Schreier suggests might be further down the road.

Horizon Online: A New Chapter for Guerrilla?

Schreier’s comments on Spawncast highlight the potential challenges of a live service approach, particularly in the current gaming landscape. He questions whether there’s sufficient demand for a Horizon-themed multiplayer experience, considering upcoming releases like the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster and Lego Horizon Adventures. This suggests a cautious approach to the live service model, given the mixed track record in the industry.

• The live service market is saturated with established games, making it difficult for new titles to gain traction.
• Recent live service releases like Concord and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League have faced significant criticism and challenges.
• Sony’s strategic shift towards a more selective approach to live service games suggests a calculated risk-assessment process.

Horizon 3: A Future Uncertain?

Schreier’s statements imply that Horizon 3, a potential single-player sequel, might be a while off. The priority, for now, seems to be the live service game Horizon Online. Guerrilla Games’ focus on developing this new type of game could signal a significant shift in the studio’s approach.

• The studio’s recent director, Jan Bart van Beek, described Horizon Online as a monumental project similar to the original Horizon Zero Dawn.
• The project is designed to be a substantial multiplayer experience, demanding new creative challenges.
• This shift in focus, likely influenced by both the studio’s size and recent industry trends, suggests strategic redirection toward the live service model.

Sony’s Live Service Strategy in Perspective

Sony’s live service push has encountered both successes and failures. The substantial investment in Helldivers 2 highlights one positive outcome. Conversely, Concord’s underperformance and subsequent cancellation underscore the industry’s difficulties in achieving long-term success in this evolving market.

• Sony’s recent streamlining of live service projects, with a reduced launch schedule for the next generation of games, reflects a pragmatic response to the complexities and potential risks.
• Notable cancellations and layoffs within Sony’s PlayStation studios further emphasize the changing dynamics in this sector.
• The future of Guerrilla’s Horizon franchise hinges on the reception of Horizon Online.

Guerrilla’s Commitment to Horizon

Despite the industry-wide challenges and Sony’s strategic realignments, Guerrilla remains steadfast in its commitment to the Horizon franchise. This dedication is further evidenced by the confirmation of a full Horizon sequel in development, alongside the ongoing work on Horizon Online.

• Guerrilla’s determination to progress with Horizon Online, despite recent industry shifts and Sony’s restructuring, reflects the studio’s confidence in their vision.
• The studio’s commitment to the Horizon franchise is bolstered by plans for a third single-player installment.
• The long-term viability of Guerrilla’s Horizon projects is tied to both the success of the single-player and multiplayer endeavors.

The Future of Horizon Online and Horizon 3

The live service model, while promising, presents a multitude of uncertainties. Schreier’s assertion that Horizon Online is the immediate priority, with Horizon 3 possibly postponed, indicates the studio’s proactive approach to potential challenges.

• The successful launch and long-term appeal of Horizon Online will dictate the future trajectory of both the Horizon Online and the Horizon single-player titles.
• While recent live service projects have faced hurdles, Guerrilla’s commitment to the multiplayer experience could lead to a game that differs significantly from other live service projects.
• The successful launch of the Horizon Online game could position Guerrilla as a leader in a market that has had a number of disappointments.

Conclusion

The live service game Horizon Online, Guerrilla Games’ current primary project, promises a significant shift for the studio, requiring a careful approach to meet the demands of the current gaming climate. The future of Horizon 3, however, remains uncertain, dependent on the success and sustained popularity of Horizon Online.