Horizon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Horizon across the outlets.
Ex-PlayStation boss explains why PC releases were a good thing, as reports claim Sony is ending blockbuster launchesFormer PlayStation President Shawn Layden explained the strategic benefits of releasing games on PC, even if delayed, to increase intellectual property awareness across various media. Reports suggest Sony may be shifting away from this strategy, focusing PC releases on live-service titles rather than narrative blockbusters, a move Layden believes could hinder future projects.
Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO hasn't given up on live-service games just yetDespite numerous cancellations and underperforming titles, Sony Interactive Entertainment president Hideaki Nishino has reaffirmed the company's commitment to live-service games. Nishino stated that the genre is still relatively new and that Sony wants to continue taking on challenges within it, aiming to revitalize the market with both first-party and third-party content. Sony plans to release its own live-service title, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, this year.- On SaleSeveral games are currently on sale on Steam, including the Horizon franchise, Bellwright, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, and Felvidek. Discounts range from 34% to 65%.
Tencent Looking to Offload Game Dev Investments, Even at a LossChinese company Tencent is reportedly looking to divest from several of its Japanese game development investments, even if it means taking a financial loss. This move is attributed to the current industry downturn and Tencent's focus on AI development. While specific studios are not all named, Marvelous is mentioned as one of the companies Tencent seeks to exit. Despite these potential sales, Tencent has stated its continued commitment to the video game industry and its presence in the Japanese market.
After Years of Live-Service Chasing, Single-Player Games Are Winning AgainThe article discusses the shift in the gaming industry from a strong focus on live-service games back towards single-player experiences. While live-service games can be highly lucrative, many publishers struggled to implement them successfully, leading to a resurgence in demand for complete, finished single-player titles. This trend is evident in recent showcases from Sony and Xbox, which highlight promising single-player games as key platform definers.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.- Star Wars Legend Mark Hamill Joins The Twisted Metal TV Show In A Key RoleMark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, has joined the cast of Peacock's Twisted Metal TV series for its third season. He will portray Pope Charlie Kane, the leader of the Eastern Sovereignty and father of Sweet Tooth. The article also mentions other cast members and the show's success on Peacock, noting its production by PlayStation Productions.
The GAME-UK Exclusive Only On PlayStation Slipcases - The AmigaGuru Gamer BlogThis article discusses a limited-edition set of "Only On PlayStation" slipcases exclusively released in the UK through GAME stores for PlayStation 4 titles. The author praises the minimalist design and high quality of the slipcases, noting they slide over original game cases. While the front artwork is lauded, the back covers are criticized for their overly minimalist design lacking essential information.- Horizon Steel Frontiers, the MMORPG Spinoff in PlayStation's Horizon Franchise, Is Expected to Launch First Half of 2027NCSoft has announced that Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG spin-off of PlayStation's Horizon franchise, is slated for release in the first half of 2027. The game is expected to launch on PC.
New Report Shows PlayStation First-Party Game Sales Declining, But What’s The Full Story>A report analyzing Sony's first-party game sales reveals a significant decline from FY20 to FY25, dropping from 58.4 million to 32.1 million units. While the number of releases has fluctuated, the analysis suggests the core issue is an increasing reliance on a few blockbuster franchises like God of War and Spider-Man, with fewer new titles emerging to fill the gap.
State of Play Confirmed for 2nd June, 60+ Minutes of Wolverine and PS5 GamesSony has confirmed its next State of Play livestream will take place on June 2nd, featuring over an hour of content including Marvel's Wolverine. The showcase will include updates, announcements, and gameplay reveals from various studios for PlayStation 5 games.- Storydrivna PS5-spel blir Playstation-exklusiva, enligt uppgiftSony's PlayStation division is reportedly shifting back to making narrative-driven, single-player games exclusive to its consoles. This change, confirmed by PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst, means titles like Saros and Marvel's Wolverine may not be released on PC, unlike recent major releases such as God of War: Ragnarök and Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
- PlayStation boss reportedly pivots on PC, says new singleplayer games will remain PS5-exclusivePlayStation boss Hermen Hulst has reportedly informed staff that new singleplayer games from Sony Interactive Entertainment will remain exclusive to the PlayStation 5 console and will not be released on PC. This marks a shift from the company's previous strategy of bringing many first-party titles to PC after a period of console exclusivity. Online multiplayer games will continue to be released on multiple platforms.
- How to Restart a Game You Haven't Played in Months | TAGThis guide provides a framework for adult gamers to re-engage with games they haven't played in months without restarting. It outlines a four-step process: auditing your save file, recapping the story in 15 minutes, playing a 30-minute test session, and then deciding whether to continue, restart, or abandon the game. Specific advice is offered for titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, Helldivers 2, and Cyberpunk 2077.
Bloodborne is Getting an Animated Adaptation With JackSepticEye’s InvolvementSony Pictures is producing an R-rated animated adaptation of the PlayStation 4 game Bloodborne, with PlayStation Productions, Lyrical Animation, and YouTuber JackSepticEye (Seán McLoughlin) co-producing. While details are scarce, the adaptation aims to stay true to the game's gothic horror spirit and setting of Yharnam. This announcement comes as Sony continues to expand its video game intellectual properties into other media, with adaptations of The Last of Us, Helldivers, and Horizon also in development.
Opinion: Sony's 'Playerbase' Is a Weak and Weird Way to Celebrate PS5 FansSony's new 'Playerbase' initiative, which offers fans a chance to have their likeness scanned for Gran Turismo 7 or potentially appear in other games, is criticized as a weak and unusual way to celebrate the PlayStation community. The author questions the transparency around data usage and suggests alternative methods like PS Stars for genuine fan recognition.
PlayStation Studios' Mobile Push Seems Dead as Layoff Reports ContinueReports indicate that Sony's PlayStation Studios is significantly scaling back or potentially shutting down its mobile gaming division, with around 50 staff members reportedly laid off. This move casts doubt on the future of ongoing mobile projects like Horizon Steel Frontiers and Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble.
Sony shuts down Dark Outlaw Games and downsizes mobile games development as PlayStation continues to rethink plansSony Interactive Entertainment has shut down its newly formed studio Dark Outlaw Games and is downsizing its mobile game development division, affecting around 50 workers. This move signals a potential shift away from the mobile market and a return to focusing on large exclusive releases, possibly impacting the company's PC strategy.- There's a new Payday game, this time in VRPayday: Aces High, a new virtual reality installment of the co-op heist franchise, is set to release for Meta Quest and SteamVR later this year. Developed by Fast Travel Games, it features four-player co-op, role specialization, and the series' signature gameplay loop of planning heists and upgrading gear. This release marks another major franchise experimenting with VR, following titles like Half-Life, Assassin's Creed, and Horizon.
Rumour: PlayStation Fans Could Be Building a LEGO PS1 Console This ChristmasA LEGO leaker suggests a new set featuring the original PlayStation console is planned for release in December 2026. The rumored set would include 1,911 pieces and cost around $159.99, following LEGO's recent trend of releasing video game-themed merchandise.