4 Attachment(s)
The Rumored Horizon Multiplayer Game Could Let Players Choose Their Own Tribe
For some time now, it’s been clear that Sony views Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series as one of its most important properties. Beyond the franchise’s two main installments, a PSVR 2 spin-off and Netflix adaptation have both been announced that help to underline this. If recent insider leaks are to be believed, though, it looks like fans are going to be getting even more from the series in the next few years.
In addition to projects like a remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn for the PS5, rumors suggest that a multiplayer title for the console and PC is also being explored by Guerrilla Games. If true, this development wouldn’t be too surprising. After all, ever since early art for the franchise was leaked, the idea of a multiplayer game has captivated players. Now that it looks like the concept could become a reality, the game would do well to lean into the tribal setup that the series has become partly known for since.
Horizon’s Tribal Lore
As with all alleged insider leaks, it’s important to remember that players should take everything they hear with a grain of salt until an official source acknowledges it. Even if Guerrilla Games is cooking up a Horizon multiplayer spin-off, situations in the gaming industry can change at the drop of a hat. Based on the number of sources that have spoken about the idea, though, it’s fair to say that there are reasons to be optimistic about the subject. Horizon Forbidden West’s long-rumored DLC, which was featured in the recent leak, has been bolstered by recent comments by Lance Redick, for example.
If the Horizon multiplayer spin-off is eventually confirmed to be real, it’s easy to imagine the project being heavily influenced by Aloy’s mainline adventures. That means, in addition to the science-fiction and apocalyptic themes in the series, players can expect tribal politics and culture to be a significant part of the experience too. From a narrative perspective, the various groups of humans that have populated each installment have helped Guerrilla Games’ IP to stand apart from its competition.
Despite the presence of killer robotic machines and ancient humans, Horizon’s narrative has always placed the story of its present-day humans at its core. In addition to saving the Earth from another ecological disaster, Aloy’s motivations have been equally fueled by a desire to aid the tribes she's encountered. In an attempt to make this task more compelling to the player, Guerrilla Games has subsequently spent a lot of time developing the backstories and customs of its people.
Between the Tenakth tribe who worship ancient US soldiers and the Nora who champion a matriarchal societal structure, there’s plenty of diversity and history to be explored. It’s easy to imagine Horizon’s rumored multiplayer spin-off being the ideal setting for the studio to do just this. Letting players pick their own tribe, whilst retracing their steps from the Zero Dawn project onwards, could even set up the franchise’s seemingly inevitable third game. An adventure that will likely see Aloy attempt to unite each group of humans against Nemesis.
Horizon’s Tribal Gameplay
Although the Horizon series’ tribes would fit into the story and premise of the rumored multiplayer spin-off well, their presence would arguably benefit the gameplay side of its equation even more. Right now, it’s worth keeping in mind that none of the supposed insiders have outlined what type of experience they’ve allegedly caught wind of. While it’s easy to imagine a Monster Hunter-style game working well, nothing is guaranteed. However, certain aspects of the tribes would fit in well with almost any setup.
Players being able to create their own character before placing them into a tribe of their choosing tops that list. Not only would the ability to customize a character foster a personal relationship them, it would also go some way towards alleviating the potential headaches Guerrilla Games might face while trying to find a replacement for Aloy.
Modern multiplayer-focused games have lived and died because of their shifting content and the items that players can unlock and work towards along the way. Thanks to the success that games like Call of Duty and Fortnite have experienced, there’s an expectation that multiplayer games will keep providing reasons for people to remain invested. Focusing on the tribal structure of Horizon’s universe would also be a great way for Guerrilla Games to tap into this while putting its own spin on the phenomenon.
In addition to offering limited-time cosmetics dedicated to each tribe for players to chase, similar to the classes in Destiny 2, Guerrilla Games could take the concept a step further. The studio could also build the rumored Horizon multiplayer spin-off’s modes and missions specifically around the concept of those tribes. Every time players would step out to play, they’d find themselves working towards shared goals and unlocks with their fellow members. In the grand scheme of things, outside of titles like Helldivers, the concept is rarely seen and therefore ripe for exploration.
Horizon’s Multiplayer Opportunity
Based on the success it’s cultivated with Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel Horizon Forbidden West, it’s fair to say that Guerrilla Games isn’t lacking from either a creative or development standpoint. If the studio needs examples of how to bring together a tribal-focused multiplayer spin-off, though, there are successful examples it could take comfort from.
Despite their different takes on the fall of humanity, Guerrilla Games’ theoretical multiplayer Horizon spin-off could build on the same communal themes that The Last of Us’ multiplayer was built around. While there was little in the way of story, every activity that players took part in contributed to the health of their own group of survivors. It’s easy to imagine a Horizon multiplayer game based on the franchise's tribes being an evolution of this concept. Considering how popular Naughty Dog's mode was, a similar full-scale game would also likely find success among all the online offerings players have been treated to recently.
It’s worth keeping in mind that Naughty Dog’s own confirmed The Last of Us multiplayer spin-off could feature a similar premise. Even though it's possible Sony could view both as a risk, there's just as much reason to believe it might view the release of each game as a way to experiment further with live service games. Considering how PlayStation Studio’s Hermen Hulst has reaffirmed Sony’s desire to continue pushing narrative-driven experiences, it’s possible that each game could feature different types of stories and mechanics to appeal to separate groups of players.
A Horizon multiplayer game is rumored to be in development.
