Horizon Was Originally Conceived as a Multiplayer Game
The Horizon franchise, with its iconic hero Aloy and breathtaking post-apocalyptic world, stands as one of the most successful new properties in modern gaming. Having sold over 40 million units, the series is a pillar for PlayStation and a celebrated arrival on PC. However, a recent revelation from a key developer at Guerrilla Games has pulled back the curtain on the franchise’s origins, revealing that the single-player epic we know today was originally imagined as something very different: a multiplayer experience.
This surprising insight sheds new light not only on the DNA of Horizon itself but also on the long-term strategic thinking at PlayStation, suggesting that the company's current push into live-service and multiplayer games has roots that run deeper than many believed.
A Multiplayer World From Day One
In a fascinating look into the game's early development, it was confirmed that the core concept for Horizon was built around cooperative play from its very first inception. Long before Horizon Zero Dawn launched in 2017 and introduced the world to Aloy's solitary journey, the team at Guerrilla Games envisioned players teaming up to take down the series' fearsome robotic beasts.
While the final product shifted to a narrative-driven, single-player open world—a decision that clearly paid off with critical acclaim and massive commercial success—the multiplayer idea was never truly abandoned. It was a foundational part of the world's design. This "what if" scenario re-contextualizes the entire franchise. The intricate machine ecosystems, the varied hunter-gatherer mechanics, and the strategic takedowns of colossal machines like the Thunderjaw all feel perfectly suited for a cooperative squad. The fact that these systems were potentially designed with co-op in mind from the beginning makes their successful implementation in a single-player format even more impressive.
The Single-Player Triumph
Ultimately, Guerrilla's pivot to a single-player focus proved to be a masterstroke. Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, are lauded for their rich storytelling, compelling protagonist, and deeply immersive worlds. Aloy quickly became a PlayStation icon, and her story of discovery resonated with millions of players.
The success of this approach is undeniable:
- Massive Sales: The franchise has collectively sold over 40 million copies across all its titles.
- Critical Acclaim: Both mainline games received widespread praise for their graphics, gameplay, and narrative.
- PC Success: The arrival of both Zero Dawn and Forbidden West on PC brought the series to a massive new audience, further cementing its status as a blockbuster property.
The decision to focus on Aloy's journey allowed Guerrilla to craft a tight, personal narrative that might have been diluted in a multiplayer setting. It established the lore and world-building necessary for the franchise to grow into the behemoth it is today.
The Original Vision Comes Full Circle
While the first two mainline games were solo adventures, the initial multiplayer dream is far from dead. In fact, it’s actively being realized. Guerrilla Games has officially confirmed that a standalone online multiplayer project set in the Horizon universe is in development.
This upcoming title is set to finally bring the original co-op vision to life. Based on official information, the game will feature a new cast of characters and a unique, stylized art direction, distinguishing it from Aloy's mainline saga. Players will be able to band together to explore the majestic, machine-filled wilds and hunt in cooperative harmony. This project is not a mode tacked onto a single-player game; it is a dedicated, standalone experience built from the ground up to fulfill that early multiplayer ambition. The director's reveal of the franchise's origins now feels less like a historical footnote and more like a teaser for what's to come.
A Window into PlayStation's Grand Strategy
This revelation does more than just provide interesting trivia about a beloved game; it "speaks volumes" about the overarching strategy at PlayStation Studios. For years, PlayStation's identity was built on prestige, single-player exclusives. While that remains a core part of its business, the company has been vocal about its major push into live-service and multiplayer titles designed to engage players for years, not just weeks.
The fact that Horizon was conceived with multiplayer in mind over a decade ago shows that this strategic shift isn't a recent reaction to market trends. It indicates that the desire to build expansive, multi-faceted intellectual properties (IPs) has been part of Sony's thinking for a long time. They aren't just making games; they are building universes.
Horizon is a perfect example of this IP-first approach. What started as a single game has expanded into:
- A direct sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
- A VR spinoff, Call of the Mountain.
- A television series in development with Netflix.
- And now, a dedicated multiplayer game.
This strategy allows a single, powerful idea to flourish across different mediums and gameplay styles, reaching the widest possible audience. The initial multiplayer concept for Horizon wasn't a failed idea; it was simply an idea ahead of its time, waiting for the franchise to become established enough to support it. Now, as fans eagerly await news on Aloy's next chapter, they also have a completely new way to experience the world of Horizon to look forward to—one that brings the series right back to where it all began.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Was Horizon Zero Dawn originally a multiplayer game?
A1: According to a studio director at Guerrilla Games, the Horizon concept was originally conceived as a multiplayer, cooperative experience from its earliest moments of development, though the final game released in 2017 was a single-player title.
Q2: Is a Horizon multiplayer game officially coming out?
A2: Yes, Guerrilla Games has confirmed they are developing a standalone online multiplayer project set in the Horizon universe. It will feature a new cast of characters and a unique visual style.
Q3: How many copies has the Horizon franchise sold?
A3: As of early 2024, the Horizon franchise has sold over 40 million units worldwide across all its titles, including Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, and the VR game Horizon Call of the Mountain.