Sony reverses course on Horizon live service co-op after feedback
The world of live service gaming is undergoing a seismic shift, leaving ambitious projects scrambling for footing. At the heart of this volatility is the latest move from Guerilla Games, which is attempting to navigate the treacherous waters of live service co-op with their Horizon universe titles.
Their latest endeavor, Horizon Hunters Gathering, faced immediate turbulence. Player feedback during recent playtests proved challenging, raising serious questions about the viability of the ambitious live service model. Instead of folding the project entirely, the studio opted for a dramatic pivot: a months-long reboot to reshape the game into a traditional co-op experience complete with a robust story and a more manageable scope.
This strategic retreat mirrors a larger trend within the gaming industry. Major publishers, including Sony, appear increasingly wary of the live service format after several high-profile cancellations. The retreat comes after the discontinuation of other live service ventures, including Concord and the forced end of Destiny 2.
The history of these decisions suggests a growing hesitation toward the live service model. Popular franchises like God of War, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man all saw their live service spinoffs shelved before they could fully launch, hinting at a broader industry fatigue.
For Guerilla Games, this recalibration means a crucial test of nerve. The team has been tasked with impressing executives by delivering a truly compelling experience in December, or risk joining the graveyard of canceled live service dreams. While the studio’s development focus has shifted, many of the original creators have moved onto new projects, with a smaller group currently focusing on a single-player Horizon experience.
The current landscape suggests that the successful models are becoming more clearly defined. Games like Marathon and Helldivers 2 are proving more sustainable. One benefits from a third-party studio, while the other leverages a successful sports series, demonstrating that less demanding, well-supported formats can thrive.
Meanwhile, other attempts at live service are finding their own difficulties. The upcoming heist game Fairgames reportedly struggled to find its footing, suggesting that the formula for long-term engagement is far from a guaranteed success.
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