The closer we get to the Holiday 2020 release of the PlayStation 5, the more we learn about the potential IPs that could grace the system. This is most evident with the new tidbit of information in regards to Sony and Guerrilla Games with the latter being the developer of the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn on the PlayStation 4. According to well-known rumor/leaker Video Game Chronicles (VGC), the two aforementioned companies are planning on not only making a sequel but two sequels to create a trilogy of titles for the franchise. On top of that, the sequel, known as Horizon Zero Dawn 2, will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive.
According to VGC’s sources, Horizon Zero Dawn 2 will be massive compared to its predecessor. The game will have a “gigantic” open world and will include co-op as a showcased feature. The original game was actually built with co-op in mind but was sadly removed in order to keep certain features in the title. With plans of a new entry, it makes sense to try and implement it once again, especially if the grand scope is going to be that much bigger.
Speaking of bigger, it’s not all that surprising to hear that Horizon Zero Dawn 2 might be coming exclusively to the PlayStation 5. Again, according to VGC’s sources, the studio started development almost immediately after the first game shipped in early 2017. At some point, the development “entirely shifted focus” to the PlayStation 5, which only begs the question, how far into development were they before changing development kits? More importantly, does this mean the game will be one of the consoles launch titles?
In addition, the source claims that the co-op they’re intending to put in was going to be released as a demo or preview to showcase the new mechanics of the co-op feature where the progress would carry over to the final product. However, the source also states that “it’s not clear if these plans are still in place.” Co-op seems to be a major focus for Guerrilla Games on this one, and if these events come to pass, then we’re all the more excited to go hunting robot dinosaurs with a friend or two.
While this is compelling stuff, it’s important to note that this is all just rumors and conjecture. That being said, VGC has, on numerous occasions, proven to be correct with their sources and information. It’s also very apparent that the Horizon Zero Dawn IP is important to Sony and the PlayStation brand, and more than likely has a lot in store for the Guerrilla Games staff and their future endeavors with the franchise. Sony even hinted at something when they revealed the PlayStation 5’s new controller, the DualSense, when they specifically mention “you can truly feel the tension of your actions, like when drawing a bow to shoot an arrow.”
Whether you interpret that statement as a clue or not, we’re more than likely going to get an official announcement leading up to the launch of the PlayStation 5. We’re holding onto that dream of Horizon Zero Dawn 2 being a launch title for the system, but we also wouldn’t be surprised if it gets pushed back for more polishing. Nothing further was discussed in regard to the third game in the series, but the fact that there might be another Horizon Zero Dawn game has us enraptured, to say the least. Let’s also not forget that there’s PC version of the first game coming out this Summer through Steam, which you can check out here.