PlayStation restructures Horizon Hunters Gathering game after unfavorable test feedback

PlayStation is conducting an intensive re-evaluation of the multiplayer spin-off “Horizon Hunters Gathering”, developed by Guerrilla Games. The drastic measure was motivated by a “disastrous” return from internal testing, resulting in a significant reduction in the project’s original scope.

Given the challenges, the title will lose its live service elements, being reimagined as a more traditional cooperative experience, with a story mode and a considerably smaller scope. This movement reflects a market trend in which new games-as-a-service proposals face difficulties in consolidating themselves. The developers have a deadline of December for the work, while the definition of the future of the initiative should take place later this month. A large part of the team will be temporarily relocated, and Sony preferred not to officially comment on the matter, maintaining uncertainty about the completion of the project.

Initial tests with low adoption and negative feedback

Guerrilla Games had already submitted the project to a closed testing phase, but the result did not meet expectations. The peak number of simultaneous players on the Steam platform was just 561, a number considered low. Although the company did not disclose the exact volume of invitations distributed, the very negative initial evaluation and the empty gaming sessions pointed to a clear lack of public engagement.

The testing window coincided with a period of high demand on the servers, due to other high-profile launches, resulting in prolonged waits on the social hub. Even with a technically solid server infrastructure and network code, the absence of players was decisive for the unsatisfactory performance. Currently, Guerrilla Games continues to allocate significant resources to this project, while the fan community shows strong anticipation for the release of “Horizon 3”.