TheHorizonfranchise has been going through a bit of a renaissance as of late. FromHorizon: Zero Dawn RemasteredtoLEGO Horizon Adventures, Sony has been putting a lot of effort into growing theHorizonIP to greater heights. As Sony’s roster of exclusives continues to expand, the company has repeated this specific pattern with other franchises, as well. This method could either be great forHorizon, or it could ultimately result in lethargy.
Sony has seen a few shake-ups in the past few years, but the company most likely sees a future withHorizon. However, franchises likeThe Last of UsandMarvel’s Spider-Manhave also received similar attention from the company, which may signal trouble ahead for theHorizonIP.The Last of UsandMarvel’s Spider-Manmultiplayer games were eventually scrapped, and withHorizon’s live-service spin-offbeing the next multiplayer game in the pipeline, it raises questions if the project will make it to the finish line.
Sony’s Hard Push of the Horizon Franchise is a Double-Edged Sword
Horizon Spin-Offs Can Expand a Fascinating World Further
The most obvious reason moreHorizonis good news for some gamers is that it means more stories and points of lore can be explored. One aspect that makesa multiplayerHorizontitleso intriguing is the prospect of exploring the post-apocalyptic setting through the eyes of a character who isn’t Aloy. The robotic beasts that roam a futuristic, yet primal, setting is a unique contrast that lends itself to plenty of possibilities. However, it’s also fair to be skeptical of how far alongHorizon’s multiplayer spin-off will go, sinceThe Last of UsandSpider-Manspin-offs met unfortunate fates. As of now, it seems likeHorizon’s live-service title is going according to plan, but past cancelations can make audience confidence waver.
Too Much Of a Good Thing
TheHorizonseries has been a successful IP for Sony, but leaning too hard into one franchise also presents the possibility of backfiring.LEGO Horizon Adventuresis a playful remix of the series, and the multiplayer project is compelling. However, this could also run the risk of making the franchise feel bloated, potentially causing audience fatigue. If this is the case, Sony’s IP push could leadHorizonto a dead end.
WithHorizon: Zero Dawn RemasteredandLEGO Horizon Adventuresreleasing so close to one another, it may already feel like a lot to some.TheHorizonfranchise offers plenty of fantastic features, especially with combat and exploration, but there is also the looming question of whether the franchise has the pull to be the branching heavy-hitter that Sony sees it to be.
Horizon’s Multiplayer Spin-Off and the Future of the Franchise
Horizon May Be Losing Its Grip, But There is Still Hope
Sony may be feeling optimistic aboutHorizon’s growth potential, but the IP has already faced some rocky roads. There is the axed Netflix series, but there is also the issue ofHorizon: Zero Dawn Remasteredperforming poorly on the PS5. The low numbers on the PS5 could be a signal that interest in theHorizonfranchise is dwindling, but the player count could also be bumped up as time passes.
Theories have suggested thatHorizon’s multiplayer title could be aiming for a PS6 launch.
Until more is revealed aboutHorizon’s multiplayer spin-off, there is only speculation. On the one hand, this could reignite excitement for the series, but it could also face cancelation before potential players even get the chance to see what the game has to offer. AsHorizoncontinues to evolve, only time will tell if its live-service spin-off will meet the same fate asThe Last of UsandSpider-Manor not.
