Summary
- Horizon Online looks to give fans a multiplayer live-service experience in the series.
- Players will likely be able to override machines to serve as mounts as seen in the single-player titles.
- Horizon Online could expand on this feature with “mini machines” serving as collectible and customizable pets in the way that various MMO titles have done.
Through two primary games, the Guerrilla Games-developed Horizon series has risen to become one of Sony’s most beloved first-party collections. With its distinctive portrayal of a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by AI machine creatures who have wreaked ecological havoc, the game has captivated numerous fans since its 2017 launch. As the franchise has grown with spin-offs and titles like LEGO Horizon Adventures, Guerrilla continues to envision lofty plans for its future development.
It appears there has been some ambiguity and doubt surrounding the future plans for the IP. Initially, it was reported that an MMO titled Horizon, being developed by NCSoft under the name Project Skyline, had been scrapped by Sony earlier in the year. However, more recent information suggests this might not be true. On the other hand, Guerrilla Games is seemingly proceeding with a distinct multiplayer co-op live-service project called Horizon Online, which they announced in 2022. If this project continues as planned, it could potentially incorporate a popular feature found in MMO/live-service titles—allowing players to gather and care for pets.
It’s been confirmed that there’s another standalone ‘Horizon’ video game designed for solo players. However, Guerrilla Games hasn’t revealed much detail about it yet.
Horizon’s Planned Live-Service Title Has a Clear Path to Give Players MMO-Style Pets
Pets Are Prominent in MMOs
In most Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) and their related online counterparts, players have been accustomed to collecting a diverse array of pets. Iconic pets from games like World of Warcraft and numerous others have made a significant impact. These pets can be obtained through adoption, taming, purchase, or other methods, and this feature has become a staple across the genre. Many of these pets offer bonuses or enhancements, while also serving as symbols of status for players who strive to acquire the rarest or most sought-after ones. Given this trend, it is reasonable to anticipate that Horizon Online will also include the option to collect pets. The expansive world, rich lore, and intricate history of the Horizon series offer ample potential for integrating pet collection into its live service.
How Horizon’s Live-Service Spinoff Can Turn Machines Into Players’ Pets
In the past games of Horizon, the protagonist Aloy has the power to control and calm certain machines. This ability can potentially be translated into an online setting, giving players a similar experience. It’s highly probable that the online game Horizon will also offer fans the chance to acquire regular machine mounts, as this feature is already established and generally expected. The specific timeframe in which Guerrilla Games sets the title for Horizon Online could potentially introduce a broader version of machine control, allowing players to emulate Aloy’s feat more extensively.
From this, it could logically proceed that in a smaller setting, players might discover and nurture miniature versions of the game’s machines, much like traditional pets. This concept could be further elaborated through new backstories, perhaps featuring NPCs who can craft these “tamed” mini-machines. Guerrilla Games has confirmed that they will introduce new machine types in the next single-player Horizon game, and these could be seamlessly integrated into the live-service title, Horizon Online, with a focus on warm aesthetics. Players would have the opportunity to customize these machines with costumes, cosmetics, and more, striving to collect their favorites. Additionally, there’s a strong possibility that if these mini-machines prove sustainable, Guerrilla Games will continue to add new ones via seasonal and special events. Essentially, Horizon Online is poised to offer players a variety of adorable and interesting robotic pets from the franchise.
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2025-05-21 15:34