Bad news for Horizon fans: Aloy's next epic journey might be further away than you think. Last week, Guerrilla Games unveiled their latest project, Horizon Hunters Gathering, a multiplayer tactical co-op game that feels like a vibrant, Fortnite-inspired twist on the beloved Horizon universe. While it’s an exciting addition, it’s also sparked a wave of questions among fans: What’s happening with Horizon Zero Dawn 3? According to sources close to Kotaku, the next mainline installment in the open-world RPG series is still a long way off, as the studio’s current focus is squarely on this new multiplayer venture. But here’s where it gets controversial: Horizon Hunters Gathering isn’t just a side project—it’s the primary focus for many at the Dutch studio, with staff originally working on HZD3 being reassigned to ensure its success. Sony is betting big on this multiplayer title, but at what cost? One source suggests fans might not see Aloy’s next solo adventure for another three to five years, potentially making it a PlayStation 6 exclusive—though a cross-gen release on PS5 remains possible. And this is the part most people miss: this shift aligns with Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier’s reporting, which also hinted that HZD3 is far from release. Guerrilla Games remains optimistic, stating in 2023 that they’re ‘expanding the world of Horizon’ with both Aloy’s next adventure and their online project. Yet, Sony has yet to comment further.
Horizon Forbidden West, released in 2022, was a PS5 launch powerhouse, but instead of rushing a sequel, Sony has been strategically growing the franchise into a transmedia empire. After a Netflix series fell through, they pivoted to a feature-length film. The Horizon universe now spans VR experiences, Lego spin-offs, and even a Monster Hunter-style MMO in development with NCSoft. Horizon Hunters Gathering is the latest piece of this puzzle, blending Sony’s ambition to expand the franchise with their risky investment in live service gaming. However, this approach has some fans worried about Horizon fatigue, especially as the cadence of first-party Sony sequels has noticeably slowed in the PS5 era due to longer development cycles and shifting priorities.
While one source praises Horizon Hunters Gathering as a fun and polished experience, it faces an uphill battle. It arrives at a time when live service games are facing growing backlash, and diehard fans are eagerly awaiting Aloy’s next single-player adventure. Is Sony spreading the Horizon universe too thin, or is this the bold expansion the franchise needs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
