Horizon Hunters Ditches Live Service Model

The update

Horizon Hunters Gathering has been reportedly rebooted to remove its live service elements following negative feedback during private playtests. According to reports from Bloomberg, developer Guerilla Games has been overhauling the game since June, stripping out live service mechanics in favor of a story mode with a smaller scope. The game, originally announced as a multiplayer, cartoony spinoff from Guerilla’s mainline Horizon series, is now being transformed into a traditional cooperative multiplayer experience.

Why it matters

This represents another significant setback for Sony’s live service ambitions, following high-profile cancellations like Concord and the shelved Last of Us multiplayer. Bloomberg reports that many of the Hunter Gathering developers are being reassigned to another project at the studio, which is also being evaluated by executives at the end of the year. The pivot suggests Sony is responding to player preferences during development rather than after launch.

What to watch

Whether the rebooted version can meet Sony’s expectations by December when Guerilla Games must deliver a new milestone. Bloomberg noted that while the game has not been cancelled, Guerilla has until December to impress PlayStation bosses. The game’s future remains uncertain as developers face pressure to deliver a product that satisfies both players and executives.

Sources

• eurogamer.net — confirming details about the reboot timeline and scope
• ign.com — providing additional context about the game's original design and Sony's live service challenges