Horizon is the Latest Example of Sony Putting All Its Eggs in One Basket

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Horizon is the Latest Example of Sony Putting All Its Eggs in One Basket

As a longtime fan of the Horizon franchise, I’ve been both thrilled and apprehensive about Sony’s recent push to expand this IP. On one hand, I’m excited about the prospect of delving deeper into this fascinating post-apocalyptic world and exploring new stories. The idea of a multiplayer Horizon game is intriguing, especially if it allows us to experience the world through different characters’ eyes.

Recently, the Horizon series has experienced a resurgence, with releases like Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered and LEGO Horizon Adventures. Sony is investing significantly to expand the Horizon intellectual property (IP) to even greater levels. This strategy, which Sony has also applied to other franchises in their collection, could either propel Horizon to new heights or lead to a sense of stagnation.

In recent years, Sony has experienced some changes, yet they seem optimistic about the future of their ‘Horizon’ series. However, other popular franchises like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ have also received significant focus from the company, which could potentially indicate issues for the ‘Horizon’ intellectual property. Notably, multiplayer games based on ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ were ultimately cancelled, and with a live-service spin-off of ‘Horizon’ being the next multiplayer project in development, there are concerns about whether this game will successfully reach completion.

Sony’s Hard Push of the Horizon Franchise is a Double-Edged Sword

Horizon Spin-Offs Can Expand a Fascinating World Further

One great reason why the announcement of more Horizon is exciting for some gamers is because it opens up opportunities to delve deeper into its rich narrative and lore. What makes a multiplayer Horizon game particularly enticing is the chance to experience the post-apocalyptic world from a character other than Aloy, offering a fresh perspective on this intriguing setting where advanced technology coexists with primitive elements. The juxtaposition of robotic creatures and a futuristic yet primal environment creates an original backdrop ripe for exploration.

Too Much Of a Good Thing

The Horizon series has been a profitable intellectual property (IP) for Sony, but over-reliance on a single franchise might result in it backfiring. LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a lighthearted spin-off of the series, and its multiplayer aspect is intriguing. Yet, there’s a risk that this could make the franchise seem excessive, leading to audience burnout. If this happens, Sony’s IP expansion might drive the Horizon franchise towards an impasse.

With “Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered” and “LEGO Horizon Adventures” coming out so close together, some gamers might find themselves overwhelmed by the abundance. The “Horizon” series boasts numerous impressive aspects, particularly in combat and exploration, but there’s a lingering doubt about whether this franchise will have the draw to establish itself as the powerhouse that Sony envisions it to be, branching out extensively.

A
Horizon: Zero Dawn
adaptation for Netflix is no longer moving forward.

Horizon’s Multiplayer Spin-Off and the Future of the Franchise

Horizon May Be Losing Its Grip, But There is Still Hope

Sony appears quite hopeful regarding the growth possibilities of the Horizon series, yet it’s important to note that this IP has encountered some rough patches. For instance, a planned Netflix series was unfortunately canceled. Moreover, the performance of Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered on the PS5 hasn’t been as strong as expected. The subpar performance on the PS5 might suggest a decline in interest for the Horizon franchise, but it could also be that the player count will increase over time with continued promotion and updates.

Theories have suggested that
Horizon
‘s multiplayer title could be aiming for a PS6 launch.

Until we learn more about the multiplayer spin-off of Horizon, it’s all guesswork. It might rekindle interest in the series, but it could also be scrapped before gamers can experience its potential offerings. As Horizon grows, we’ll have to wait and see if its live-service spin-off will share a similar destiny with The Last of Us and Spider-Man or forge its own path.

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2024-11-14 01:33