I do not have a lot to go on beyond the reveal video announcing the game, but there is no doubt that Guerrilla Games has a deep passion for the Horizon franchise. After multiple single-player entries (Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West) and a VR experience with Horizon Call of the Mountain, it was only a matter of time before the studio looked for a new way to expand the universe. That next step is a multiplayer-focused title called Horizon Hunters Gathering, that is currently in development for PlayStation 5 and PC, with cross-play I might add. This is particularly interesting given how often fans have wondered what a Monster Hunter–style Horizon game might look like.
Wonder no more. Horizon Hunters Gathering appears to lean fully into that idea. The game features six new heroes set within the Horizon universe and is designed as a three-player co-op experience that pits teams against familiar machines and threats from across the world. What stands out is that these characters are not locked into rigid roles. Instead, players can choose from multiple classes per character, offering flexibility rather than forcing strict archetypes.
That said, based on the reveal trailer, the game immediately brings to mind the ill-fated Dauntless. Visually, it looks great, and the gameplay shown is impressive in motion. Now, I know some will be eager to point out that this looks “Fortnite-esque” and is only being done to attract a younger crowd, yet last I checked, people of all ages play Fortnite. I would call it cartoony, but I digress. Unfortunately, as history has shown, strong visuals alone are not enough in a genre already dominated by a small number of long-standing titles, and there is a long list of games that did not have what it took to stay relevant.
According to Guerrilla Games, Horizon Hunters Gathering will launch with four large regions, each featuring unique environments and dangers. There will also be a central hub where players can prepare for missions. Adding to that is a roguelike-style system with randomized power-ups, which could help keep runs feeling fresh.
While the game is still in development, Guerrilla Games will be hosting several playtests and is currently taking signups. Although no dates have been announced yet, it has been confirmed that the first playtest will feature two distinct game modes: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent.
In Machine Incursion, players are tasked with stopping a mass of hostile machines. Similar to Elden Ring Nightreign, a deadly storm gradually closes in over the course of each session, applying constant pressure and forcing players to keep moving and make quick decisions. Cauldron Descent, on the other hand, focuses on multi-stage dungeons where players can choose their path as they work their way toward the final room.
While Guerrilla Games appears confident in what it has built, and I will admit the concept looks promising, I do have one major concern. Sony’s recent track record with live service titles has been shaky at best. The lingering worry is that Horizon Hunters Gathering could launch strong, only to be quietly abandoned a few months later.
That said, I am a sucker for co-op games that let me take on waves of enemies alongside friends. Only time will tell whether Horizon Hunters Gathering can not only stick the landing but convince those who have been burnt by prior PlayStation live service games, but I can say right now that I am liking what I see.
Oh, and before anyone gets upset, the next mainline game in the series is very much in development as well. I don’t foresee Guerrilla Games forgoing it’s singleplayer games anytime soon. Hey, it is just like what Fromsoftware did after all.
Source: PlayStation Blog
