Guerrilla Games has confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering is a tactical, skill‑based co‑op action title set in the same universe as Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. Up to three players can team up as Hunters to defend a world threatened by deadly machines, with cross‑play and cross‑progression between PS5 and PC.
The game features:
- A narrative campaign introducing new mysteries, characters, and threats.
- Tactical, reactive combat emphasizing teamwork and specialized Hunter roles.
- Multiple modes, including wave‑based Machine Incursions and replayable hunts.
- A new, more stylized art direction, distinct from the mainline series’ realism.
A small‑scale closed playtest is scheduled for late February via the PlayStation Beta Program.
Why This Game Matters: The Live‑Service Backstory
Sony’s push into live‑service games has been years in the making—and often turbulent. Horizon Hunters Gathering represents one of the most concrete and confident steps in that strategy.
PlayStation’s Live‑Service Ambitions
Over the past several years, Sony has repeatedly signaled its intention to diversify beyond single‑player blockbusters. The company invested heavily in multiplayer‑focused studios, acquisitions, and internal teams, aiming to launch multiple live‑service titles across PS5 and PC. However, the path has been uneven:
- Several in‑development live‑service projects were delayed, rebooted, or quietly shelved, reflecting the difficulty of competing in a saturated market dominated by Fortnite, Destiny, Apex Legends, and others.
- Sony’s leadership has emphasized the need for high‑quality, sustainable live‑service experiences, not quick releases—leading to slower rollouts than originally planned.
- The company has increasingly leaned on established IPs to anchor these efforts, believing familiar worlds can help overcome the steep onboarding curve of multiplayer ecosystems.
Why Guerrilla’s Project Stands Out
Guerrilla has long expressed interest in co‑op gameplay—dating back to early Horizon concept phases. Hunters Gathering is the first time the studio has fully committed to that vision.
Several factors make this project strategically important:
- Brand strength: Horizon is one of PlayStation’s most recognizable modern franchises.
- Cross‑platform launch: Releasing on PC at launch signals Sony’s broader shift toward multi‑platform live‑service ecosystems.
- Co‑op focus over PvP: A tactical PvE structure may offer a more accessible entry point for players wary of competitive live‑service titles.
- Narrative continuity: Guerrilla promises a canon story campaign, bridging the studio’s single‑player legacy with its multiplayer ambitions.
What This Means for the Future of Horizon
Horizon Hunters Gathering does not replace the mainline series—Guerrilla has reaffirmed its commitment to single‑player Horizon games.
Instead, this co‑op entry expands the universe, potentially laying the groundwork for a long‑term live‑service pillar within PlayStation’s portfolio.
If successful, it could become the model Sony uses to stabilize its live‑service strategy: familiar IP, cooperative gameplay, cross‑platform support, and ongoing narrative updates.
