Summary
Sony seems to be going all-out with its first-party IP, expanding them with new entries and debuts in new mediums to bring them to as many people as possible.Horizonis one of the lucky ones to be given more attention, with plenty of projects planed to keep it in the minds of both gamers and other audiences. In the games space, it’s got a lot going on, with a sequel tothe sublimeHorizon Forbidden Westas well as a TV series and a multiplayer offering being developed behind the scenes.
The end ofHorizondoesn’t seem to be in sight, which is a cause for much excitement for fans of Aloy’s story, but as the blossoming franchise looks to be one of the all-time open-world greats, the next few years are of paramount importance. Guerrilla Games has to be smart about which projects it gives the green light, because sometimes less really is more.
Horizon’s Potential is Endless, But Development Resources Aren’t
Guerrilla Games is a studio known for high-quality releases.Horizonis the tip of the iceberg, astheKillzonefranchisewas, despite its somewhat stunted legacy, a fantastic offering in the first-person shooter space. Aloy’s story is undoubtedly the Amsterdam-based studio’s magnum opus, however, so it’s little surprise that Sony wants to take full advantage of the success, with a Netflix series, a multiplayer title, and a third game all in the pipeline.
This all sounds like a recipe for prolonged success, but the reality is that gamers are always wanting something new, and staying on one series for too long can be a red flag for some. There are many that think thatThe Last of Ushas run its courseafter just two mainline games, and asHorizonhopes to have a bigger catalog of offerings when all is said and done, the volume of projects could really be a step back instead of the intended few steps forward.
A Million Stories in Horizon’s World, But Only a Few are Worth Telling
Each newHorizongamewill require significant funding to develop. The high quality of the previous outings have also set a standard that fans expect, so each game that Guerrilla makes already faces an uphill battle. With that much financial backing, only the most pressing stories and ideas should be pushed forward. While unexpected side projects like, say, a beat-em-up focused on the Tenakth tribe’s culture and customs could be fun, it’s likely not going to move the needle enough to justify its worth.
Horizon Needs to Remember That Less is More in AAA Gaming
The likes ofAssassin’s CreedandCall of Dutyseemingly haven’t understood that a longer time between releases can be beneficial to a new game’s reception. Being on a consistent cycle means that some can become complacent with a series' quality, and the strides that are taken between releases are largely disregarded. For the games themselves, an abundance of releases can cloud the impact of each one, meaning it can be hard to be truly excited for the future.
Horizonbeing a first-party franchise means it already has the pressure of carrying the success of its native PlayStation hardware while also finding a way to provide a thrilling threequel afterForbidden West’s conclusion. Focus on that is of paramount importance, and the introduction of spin-offs in different genres, with new gameplay loops, could mount the pressure on Guerrilla to the point where all the products suffer. One world-class project is always going to be more memorable than a handful of mediocre ones, and asHorizonis still searching for the recognition it deservesafter launching next toZelda: Breath of the WildandElden Ring, simplifying the release schedule is the right choice, both financially and for its legacy.
Horizon Forbidden West
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Aloy as she braves a majestic but dangerous new frontier that holds mysterious new threats. This Complete Edition allows you to enjoy the critically acclaimed Horizon Forbidden West on PC in its entirety with bonus content, including the Burning Shores story expansion that picks up after the main game.Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.The land is dying. Vicious storms and an unstoppable blight ravage the scattered remnants of humanity while fearsome new machines prowl their borders, and life on Earth is hurtling toward another extinction.It’s up to Aloy to uncover the secrets behind these threats and restore order and balance to the world. Along the way, she must reunite with old friends, forge alliances with warring new factions and unravel the legacy of the ancient past.
