The Horizon series is currently expanding with the upcoming releases of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and Lego Horizon Adventures, and there are more projects in development beyond the anticipated third installment of the main series. According to Bloomberg video game reporter Jason Schreier, the next game in the franchise will be an online project involving significant development efforts.
“Horizon online is their next project, not the third single-player game. So that one might take some time,” Schreier mentioned on the Spawn Wave podcast. The discussion can be found around the 54:27 mark.
Sony has been focusing on live-service titles lately, with successful releases like Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers 2 and disappointments such as Concord. The news of reorganizations at Bungie and the challenges faced by other live-service games raise doubts about the potential success of a Horizon online game.
“Guerrilla is working on this Horizon online game, and it’s unclear if there’s enough interest for it,” Schreier added. “With the remaster and Lego game in the pipeline, what if they don’t resonate with the audience? Will they still pursue the online game?” These uncertainties surrounding the strategy and reception of the online game are noteworthy.
Among Sony’s other live-service projects, Haven Studios’ Fairgame$ is still in progress, while The Last of Us Online has been canceled. However, the Horizon project has managed to avoid cancellation so far, according to Schreier.
