Sony Cuts Ties with Live Service Model for Horizon Hunters Gathering: A New Chapter for the Franchise?
Sony and Guerrilla Games abandon live service elements for Horizon Hunters Gathering, giving the game a second chance as a traditional co-op experience without microtransactions. This decision reflects a strategic shift in response to player feedback
Sony's long-standing ambition to dominate the live service games market has taken another dramatic turn. According to recent reports from Bloomberg, Horizon Hunters Gathering – a game intended to be Sony's answer to Destiny – has undergone a major overhaul. All live service elements, from microtransactions to forced seasons, are reportedly being removed. Instead, players will receive a traditional story-driven co-op experience. This decision, though not officially confirmed, appears to be a reaction to growing criticism and negative player feedback, especially in the context of high AAA game prices reaching 350-450 PLN in 2026, where additional costs are often seen as exploitative.
| Title | Horizon Hunters Gathering |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action RPG / Co-op Adventure |
| Developer | Guerrilla Games |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Release Date | 2026 (anticipated) |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PC |
| Cover Image |  |
Key Takeaways:
- Sony abandons live service for Horizon Hunters Gathering, transforming it into a traditional co-op experience.
- The game will feature a story-driven co-op mode without microtransactions, potentially meeting fan expectations for the Horizon series.
- This decision likely reflects a response to negative feedback regarding additional costs in high-priced AAA games.
- Guerrilla Games has until December to convince Sony's executives of the project's new direction.
The strategic shift for Horizon Hunters Gathering is not merely another corporate maneuver. It signals that even industry giants are beginning to respond to player voices, especially regarding controversial payment models. The game, initially intended to compete with titles like Destiny, now has the chance to become something entirely different – focused on narrative and cooperation, not on microtransaction revenues. Moving away from this model may open new creative possibilities for Guerrilla Games.
In the context of the Polish market, where AAA game prices already reach 350-450 PLN, additional charges are often perceived as exploitative. This change in game model is therefore unequivocally positive news for local players. Guerrilla Games now has the opportunity to create a product that not only attracts Horizon series fans but also gains a new audience.
The new direction for Horizon Hunters Gathering could also influence the future of the entire Horizon series. While previous titles focused on single-player experiences and deep narrative, the introduction of a co-op mode opens new possibilities. Players can expect expanded team systems, missions requiring cooperation, and even dedicated mechanics for teams.
History and Evolution of the Horizon Series
The Horizon series revolutionized the action RPG genre on PlayStation consoles. From the success of Horizon Zero Dawn, through its sequel Forbidden West, the series stood out not only for its visionary graphics but also for its deep narrative and innovative combat system. Sony's push to enter the live service market has been a visible trend in recent years. Attempts such as Concord were, however, perceived as failed experiments. In this context, the decision to abandon the live service model for Horizon Hunters Gathering seems like a logical step, though not without risk.
Technical Aspects and Expectations
Expectations for Horizon Hunters Gathering are enormous. Fans expect not only leading-edge graphics but also smooth mechanics and deep gameplay systems. Transitioning to a co-op model necessitates a revision of not only gameplay but also the game's network architecture. Guerrilla Games faces the challenge of balancing the experience for both solo and team players. Ensuring technical stability, especially regarding online mode, will also be crucial. All this must be achieved while maintaining the narrative quality that has become the hallmark of the Horizon series.
Market Impact and Future of Gaming
Sony's decision will resonate across the gaming market. Moving away from an aggressive live service model to a more traditional approach may encourage other studios to make similar changes. The market is increasingly averse to games that look more like item shops than full-fledged experiences. Ultimately, such a change could contribute to revitalizing the idea of games as works of art rather than mere consumer products. For Guerrilla Games, this is a chance to avoid another disaster in the series, and for Sony – to understand what players truly want.
FAQ
Will Horizon Hunters Gathering hit the shelves?
The game has not been canceled, but its future depends on the impression the new project makes on Sony's executives by December. If it doesn't impress, it could meet the fate of other ambitious projects that disappeared without a trace.
What were the issues during testing?
Reports indicate negative feedback mainly concerned live service elements such as microtransactions and forced seasonal models. Players clearly expressed they don't want another game that looks more like a shop than actual gameplay.
Does this mean the end of live service for Sony?
For now, it's hard to say. Sony is still trying to find its place in this segment, but repeated failures show it's no easy task. Backing away from the live service model for Horizon Hunters Gathering may signal that the corporation is starting to listen to player feedback.
What are the prospects for Guerrilla Games?
For Guerrilla Games, this change is an opportunity to avoid another failure and adapt to market expectations. The studio has the chance to create a game that not only attracts Horizon series fans but also opens up to a new audience, especially given the popularity of co-op games.
