Horizon Hunters Gathering: cooperative multiplayer experience without live-service
Intelligence Summary
- Guerrilla Games is turning Horizon Hunters Gathering from a live-service game into a traditional co-op experience with a story mode.
In short
- Guerrilla Games is rebooting Horizon Hunters Gathering to remove live-service elements.
- The game will focus on traditional co-op gameplay with a story mode.
- Developers are being reassigned to other projects while the next single-player Horizon game is still years away.
GAME-scanner analysis
Guerrilla Games’ decision to reshape Horizon Hunters Gathering is a direct response to the negative feedback the game received during testing phases. By cutting the live-service elements, the studio can focus on creating a more cohesive, story-driven experience. This could increase player engagement and reduce frustration over microtransactions, which are often a sticking point for gamers. However, reassigning developers to other projects could also lead to delays in the game’s development, potentially affecting progress and frustrating fan expectations. The December 2026 deadline to impress PlayStation executives adds extra pressure to the development process.
What does this mean for players?
For players, this shift means they can look forward to a more narrative-focused and cooperative experience in Horizon Hunters Gathering. The chance to play with friends in a co-op setting could broaden the game’s appeal, especially for fans of the Horizon franchise looking for deeper, more immersive gameplay. However, the reassignment of developers may also mean the game’s development could slow down, which could be disappointing for impatient fans. The uncertainty surrounding the final outcome of the reboot may also leave the player community with mixed feelings.
Timeline
February 2026: Horizon Hunters Gathering was announced.
June 2026: Guerrilla began rebooting the game.
December 2026: Deadline to impress executives.