Horizon Zero Dawn is one of our favorite titles on the PlayStation 4 and in our opinion, one of the best new IPs of the generation as well. Having sold over 10 million copies and now releasing on PC, it should come as no surprise that Sony has ambitious plans for the franchise.
According to VGC, sources at Sony have said that Horizon Zero Dawn is set to become a trilogy on the PlayStation 5. While we knew HZD2 was in development, the long-term future of the IP had been questioned. It seems that question has been answered.
The next instalment, Horizon Zero Dawn 2, started development soon after the first game’s successful release, sources said. Initially, the game was planned for PlayStation 4. However, it’s thought that development has now entirely shifted focus to Sony’s next-generation console.
Horizon Zero Dawn 2 is said to be ‘gigantic’ in scope with a larger game world and more freedom to explore it than in its predecessor. People with knowledge of the game also indicated the inclusion of a co-op feature, although it’s not clear if this is delivered via the main story or a separate mode.
With former Guerilla Games Studio Head Herman Hulst now heading up first-party game direction for PlayStation, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. After the title’s success in 2017, then president Shawn Layden said the following:
“[Guerrilla co-founder] Herman Hulst has got a very keen mind on where he wants to take Horizon and what the roadmap is – and that roadmap is expressed in multiple years,” he told The Telegraph. “I think we’ll be in the Horizon business for a long time.”
Our Take
We’re already dreaming of how expansive and beautiful Horizon Zero Dawn 2 could be on the PlayStation 5. There’s not much to say here other than, bring it on! We are curious however, how co-op could function in the game particularly with loot and leveling. Time will tell.
