Horizon Hunters Gathering Live Service Spin-Off Announced Ahead of State of Play
Sony and Guerrilla Games have officially revealed Horizon Hunters Gathering, a long-rumoured live service multiplayer spin-off from the Horizon franchise, bypassing the anticipated State of Play event with a direct blog post and video announcement.
New Art Style and Gameplay Details
The trailer showcases a cartoonier art style, a significant departure from the realistic visuals of mainline Horizon games like Horizon Forbidden West. Studio director Jan-Bart Van Beek defended this choice, stating it aligns with the game's dynamic co-op focus, designed to match the energy of team-based play.
Gameplay involves up to three players collaborating to battle mechanical beasts, with confirmed modes including Machine Incursion for wave-based combat and Cauldron Descent, a roguelite-style mode with evolving challenges. Players select pre-made characters with unique weapons and playstyles, positioning it as a hero shooter experience.
Platforms and Features
Horizon Hunters Gathering will launch on PlayStation 5 and PC, featuring cross-play and cross-progression support. A beta playtest is scheduled for the end of this month, accessible via the PlayStation Beta Programme, though a full release date remains unannounced.
The final version will include a solo-friendly story campaign with ongoing narrative updates post-launch, promising new mysteries and threats. However, pricing details are unclear, with no confirmation on whether it will be free-to-play, unlike many Sony live service titles.
Context and Industry Reactions
This announcement follows years of speculation since job listings in late 2022 hinted at a Monster Hunter-like multiplayer project. It contrasts with the separate Horizon MMO by NCSoft announced in November. Guerrilla Games reassures fans that single-player Horizon games, including a potential Horizon 3, remain a priority, despite this live service venture.
The reveal coincided with a Nintendo Direct, sparking discussions about Sony's strategic confidence. As one of the few live service projects not scrapped by Sony recently, Horizon Hunters Gathering appears to have backing, though its success remains uncertain given past flops like Lego Horizon Adventures.
