In a significant shift in development strategy, Sony’s ambitious live service multiplayer spin-off for the Horizon franchise is reportedly undergoing a complete overhaul. According to multiple anonymous industry insiders, Horizon Hunters Gathering is being transformed from its original live service model into a smaller, more traditional cooperative experience that will feature a dedicated story mode. This pivot represents a notable departure from Sony’s previously aggressive push into the games-as-a-service market and signals potential lessons learned from recent high-profile failures in the live service space.
The restructuring reportedly involves reassigning several staff members from the project to other positions within Sony’s extensive game development network. Meanwhile, a smaller team at Guerrilla Games, the Dutch studio behind the Horizon franchise, is said to be working on the next mainline single-player entry in the series. However, sources indicate that fans shouldn’t expect this proper sequel to Horizon Forbidden West anytime soon, with the game still reportedly years away from completion.
The Live Service Strategy That Didn’t Pan Out
Sony’s decision to scale back Horizon Hunters Gathering comes amid a turbulent period for the company’s live service ambitions. The PlayStation parent had previously announced plans to release numerous live service titles by March 2026, viewing the model as essential for long-term revenue growth. However, this strategy has faced significant setbacks, most notably with the catastrophic launch and rapid cancellation of Concord in 2024, which became one of gaming’s most expensive failures after being shut down just two weeks post-release despite reportedly costing over $200 million to develop.
The live service pivot also saw the cancellation of other projects, including a Last of Us multiplayer game that had been in development at Naughty Dog for years. Industry analysts have noted that the gaming market has become increasingly saturated with live service offerings, making it exceptionally difficult for new entries to capture and maintain player attention against established giants like Fortnite, Call of Duty Warzone, and Apex Legends. Sony’s apparent course correction with Horizon Hunters Gathering suggests the company may be acknowledging these market realities.
The Horizon Franchise Legacy and Future Prospects
The Horizon series has been one of PlayStation’s most successful new intellectual properties since its debut in 2017 with Horizon Zero Dawn. Developed by Guerrilla Games, previously known for the Killzone franchise, the series follows protagonist Aloy in a far-future Earth where robotic creatures roam a world reclaimed by nature following a catastrophic event. Horizon Zero Dawn sold over 20 million copies across PlayStation and PC platforms, while its 2022 sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, expanded the universe and received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals and refined gameplay mechanics.
The franchise has also expanded into other media, with a Netflix animated series in development and a film adaptation previously announced. The decision to maintain a smaller team working on a traditional single-player sequel suggests that Sony recognizes the core appeal of the Horizon experience lies in its narrative-driven, exploration-focused gameplay rather than competitive or cooperative multiplayer modes. The shift of Horizon Hunters Gathering toward a story-focused co-op experience may represent an attempt to bridge both worlds, offering multiplayer functionality while preserving the storytelling elements that made the franchise successful.
Industry Implications and What Comes Next
The reported restructuring at Guerrilla Games reflects a broader industry trend away from live service experimentation and back toward proven single-player and traditional multiplayer formats. Other major publishers have similarly scaled back live service ambitions, with studios recognizing that the model requires not just substantial initial investment but ongoing content development, community management, and server maintenance that can strain resources for years. For Sony specifically, the focus appears to be shifting toward quality over quantity, with the company potentially prioritizing fewer, more polished releases rather than attempting to compete across multiple live service titles simultaneously.
While no official announcement has been made regarding these changes, the insider reports align with observable trends in Sony’s recent communications and project cancellations. Players eager for more Horizon content may need to temper their expectations, as the next proper single-player adventure featuring Aloy appears to be in early development stages. However, the retooled cooperative version of Hunters Gathering could potentially offer fans a new way to experience the franchise’s rich world while they wait for the full sequel.
Expert Opinion: Sony’s pivot away from live service models toward traditional game structures represents a crucial strategic recalibration following costly failures. The gaming industry is witnessing a correction where quality single-player experiences and focused cooperative games are regaining prominence over saturated live service offerings. Expect Sony to announce a more conservative game release strategy at their next major showcase, prioritizing franchise strength over market diversification.
