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Guerrilla Games Reveals Its Long-Rumoured Horizon Multiplayer Project
Sony’s ambitions around live-service games have shifted noticeably over the past year, with several projects cancelled or scaled back as the company reassesses its strategy. Even so, a handful of multiplayer titles have continued quietly in development, including a long-rumoured Horizon project from Guerrilla Games. That mystery has now been resolved with the official reveal of Horizon Hunters Gathering.
Unlike several previously cancelled initiatives, this title represents a carefully positioned expansion of the Horizon universe rather than a pivot away from Guerrilla’s identity. The studio has been clear that this is a complementary experience, not a replacement for its single-player focus.
Separate From NCSoft’s Horizon Project
To avoid confusion, Guerrilla confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering is not connected to Horizon Steel Frontiers, the multiplayer title currently in development at NCSoft. While Steel Frontiers reportedly leans toward a more realistic aesthetic, Hunters Gathering is being developed internally at Guerrilla and takes a very different creative direction.
This distinction matters, as it is de facto a first-party extension of Guerrilla’s vision for the Horizon universe rather than an external reinterpretation.
Stylised Visuals With a Canon Storyline
Introduced through a nine-minute overview video, Horizon Hunters Gathering immediately distinguishes itself with a stylised, almost cartoon-like visual direction. This is a significant departure from the grounded realism of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, but one Guerrilla believes suits cooperative gameplay and character-driven design.
Despite the tonal shift, the studio confirmed that the game’s narrative is canon. The world is divided into several large regions, each featuring distinct ecosystems, machines, and challenges that align with established Horizon lore.
Three-Player Co-Op at the Core of Horizon Hunters Gathering
At its foundation, this is a three-player cooperative action game. Players select from a roster of heroes, each equipped with unique weapons, abilities, and combat roles designed to encourage teamwork rather than solo optimisation.
A shared hub area serves as the social and progression centre, allowing players to upgrade equipment, unlock perks, and customise their roles before heading out on missions. Guerrilla has stressed that coordination and preparation will be essential to success.
Multiple Modes Beyond Pure Combat
While some encounters draw inspiration from Monster Hunter-style hunts, Guerrilla has been careful to clarify that combat alone does not define the experience. Horizon Hunters Gathering will feature multiple modes with varied objectives and pacing.
One highlighted example is Cauldron Descent, a mode focused on platforming, environmental hazards, and cooperative problem-solving rather than direct combat with machines. The studio also cautioned that the game is intentionally challenging and not designed as a casual power fantasy.
Playtests, Platforms, and Guerrilla’s Single-Player Commitment
Guerrilla has opened registrations for limited playtests on PlayStation 5 and PC, with cross-play and cross-progression supported from the outset. The test build will include only three playable characters and a restricted selection of modes, despite a broader lineup being shown in the reveal.
Importantly, Guerrilla also used the announcement to reaffirm its commitment to single-player games, addressing concerns that the studio might shift fully toward multiplayer development. Horizon Hunters Gathering is positioned as an addition to the studio’s portfolio, not a replacement.
There is currently no confirmed release window, but Horizon Hunters Gathering is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC.
