Horizon Fans Push Back Against Hunters Gathering as Franchise Direction Shifts

Guerrilla Games’ announcement of Horizon Hunters Gathering has triggered visible backlash across the Horizon community, with many longtime fans questioning the franchise’s new direction. The multiplayer-focused spinoff introduces structured co-op missions, hero-style character roles, and live-service elements — a sharp contrast to the cinematic single-player identity that defined Horizon Zero Dawn y Horizonte Oeste Prohibido. While Sony positions the project as an expansion of the universe, community reaction suggests a growing divide over what Horizon should be.

Hunters Gathering Introduces a New Multiplayer Structure

Guerrilla revealed Hunters Gathering as a three-player cooperative action title set in the Horizon universe, with class-based hunters, replayable missions, and progression systems designed for long-term engagement. According to coverage from TechRadar, the game will feature structured hunts, Cauldron-style encounters, and cross-play support between PlayStation 5 and PC.

The shift toward defined hero roles and repeatable endgame-style content signals a design philosophy closer to cooperative action titles than narrative-driven RPGs. That structural change sits at the center of the current controversy.

Community Reaction Highlights Identity Concerns

Fan discussions across social platforms and gaming forums reveal frustration centered on tone and identity rather than multiplayer itself. Reporting from Cuadrado de empuje shows that many players worry the stylized hunter classes and social hub elements feel disconnected from Horizon’s grounded, tribal aesthetic.

Some critics argue the announcement resembles broader live-service trends that have struggled in recent years. Others question whether the game’s structure risks flattening the rich environmental storytelling and character depth that defined Aloy’s journey. The backlash focuses less on co-op as a concept and more on perceived franchise drift.

Concerns Over Horizon 3’s Timeline Intensify Backlash

Part of the negative reaction stems from uncertainty around the next mainline Horizon installment. Coverage from GamesRadar suggests that significant development resources currently support the multiplayer project, which has fueled speculation that Horizon 3 remains years away.

For fans who expected updates on Aloy’s story, the Hunters Gathering reveal felt premature. Without clarity on the sequel’s timeline, the multiplayer announcement amplified concerns that Sony prioritizes service-based projects over narrative-driven releases.

Industry Context: Sony’s Live-Service Strategy

Sony has publicly committed to expanding its portfolio of live-service games in recent years, even as several projects have faced restructuring or cancellation. Analysts cited by GamesIndustry.biz note that publishers continue to pursue multiplayer ecosystems despite market volatility.

Hunters Gathering fits within that broader strategy. The Horizon brand provides recognizable IP support, while co-op systems allow scalable engagement models. From a corporate perspective, the move aligns with industry trends. From a fan perspective, it raises questions about creative priorities.

Balanced Voices See Opportunity in Expansion

Not all reactions have been negative. Some players welcome the opportunity to explore the Horizon world cooperatively, especially if machine combat retains tactical depth. Early impressions suggest that structured hunts could translate well to coordinated team play if Guerrilla preserves mechanical precision.

The long-term reception will depend on execution. Strong gameplay, technical stability, and meaningful progression could shift sentiment once players experience the system directly. Until Guerrilla shares extended gameplay footage and clearer roadmap details, debate around Hunters Gathering will likely continue.