Horizon Hunters Gathering Rebooted: Live-Service Axed After Negative Feedback
In a stunning reversal that highlights PlayStation's ongoing live-service struggles, Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation division is overhauling Horizon Hunters Gathering, the online action game it announced earlier this year, following negative player feedback . For Filipino gamers who've been waiting for Aloy's next adventure, this news means Horizon 3 won't arrive anytime soon—and raises serious questions about the future of PlayStation's biggest franchises.
This breaking story from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reveals the latest casualty in Sony's disastrous live-service pivot, and it carries major implications for anyone considering best deals on Shopee Philippines for PS5 consoles and Horizon games right now.
What Happened to Horizon Hunters Gathering?
Guerrilla Games, the Amsterdam-based PlayStation subsidiary behind the Horizon franchise, has been working to reboot the game since June , according to sources familiar with the project. The game was originally announced in February 2026 as a three-player co-op live-service experience with tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based combat set in the Horizon universe.
Negative Playtest Feedback Triggers Major Overhaul
Following poor feedback in private testing earlier this year, the plan now is to strip out the live-service component and turn it into more of a traditional cooperative multiplayer game with a story mode and a far smaller scope . This represents a fundamental shift from the original vision that Guerrilla announced just six months ago.
The timing is particularly damaging given that most of the studio is currently involved with Horizon Hunters Gathering, not Horizon 3 . This single fact reshapes the entire timeline for the beloved franchise and leaves Filipino fans who've invested in the PS5 ecosystem wondering when they'll see Aloy's story conclude.
December 2026 Deadline: Make or Break
Developers reportedly have until December 2026 to deliver a milestone impressive enough to convince PlayStation executives to keep the project going . That's less than four months away, putting enormous pressure on a team already dealing with a complete directional pivot. Many of the developers currently working on Horizon Hunters Gathering are also being reassigned to another project , suggesting Sony is already hedging its bets.
The Reboot: What's Changing and What's at Stake
From Live-Service to Traditional Co-Op
One of the biggest changes is the removal of Horizon Hunters Gathering's live-service elements, with Guerrilla reportedly planning to turn the project into a smaller, more traditional co-op multiplayer game with a story mode and a significantly reduced scope . This means no battle passes, no seasonal content, and no ongoing monetization—the very features that made it attractive to PlayStation executives in the first place.
The original announcement promised two game modes: Machine Incursion (wave-based combat) and Cauldron Descent (multi-stage trials). It's unclear which, if any, of these features will survive the reboot. What we do know is that the vision has dramatically shrunk, and for gamers looking to earn free GCash online to fund their PlayStation purchases, this unstable development cycle is a red flag.
What Went Wrong in Playtests
While specific playtest feedback hasn't been publicly disclosed, the severity of the response forced a complete directional change. The project is now being rebooted after receiving poor feedback during private playtests earlier this year , likely during the May 2026 closed beta that selected players participated in under strict NDAs.
The Project's Uncertain Future
The game hasn't been canceled, but its future isn't guaranteed either . This limbo state is particularly painful for the developers who've spent years on the project, and for Filipino gamers who've been supporting the Horizon franchise since Zero Dawn launched in 2017.
How This Delays Horizon 3 for Years
Only a "Tiny Team" Working on Horizon 3
The Bloomberg report confirms what insiders have been saying for months: almost all of Guerrilla Games has been working on Horizon Hunters Gathering for the last few years, and the next mainline single-player Horizon game is still far, far away . This isn't speculation—it's a direct confirmation that Aloy's next adventure won't arrive until at least 2028 or beyond.
Timeline Reality Check
Let's break down the math that Filipino Horizon fans need to understand:
- Horizon Zero Dawn: Released February 2017
- Horizon Forbidden West: Released February 2022 (5-year gap)
- Horizon 3: Likely 2028-2029 at earliest (6-7 year gap)
A third Horizon game likely won't be ready until at least 2028 or beyond, when it'll likely be time for Sony to reveal the sixth PlayStation . This means Horizon 3 could be a PS6 launch title rather than a PS5 game, fundamentally changing the buying equation for Filipino gamers considering PS5 purchases today.
Developer Resources Stretched Thin
Sources told Kotaku that a third Horizon game in the main series is a "ways off" and is not the current development priority at Guerrilla, with some staff working on a new mainline Horizon game pulled over to help with Horizon Hunters Gathering . Even the skeleton crew working on Horizon 3 has been raided to rescue the floundering multiplayer project.
For gamers who want to earn money online Philippines specifically to save up for the next Horizon game, you've got several more years to build that fund.
PlayStation's Live-Service Disaster Continues
The Concord Effect: Shell-Shocked Sony
According to Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb, Sony has been shell-shocked by Concord, and now they're going around to every studio and they're reassessing every single project, with live service projects having a lot of friction going against them preventing them from getting a chance to actually come out . The $400 million failure of Concord—which shut down just two weeks after launch—has made Sony executives extremely risk-averse.
The Body Count: Cancelled Games and Closed Studios
Sony's live-service carnage now includes:
- Concord: Shut down 2 weeks after August 2024 launch, studio closed
- The Last of Us Online: Cancelled December 2023
- God of War live-service: Cancelled January 2025
- Bend Studio project: Cancelled January 2025
- Spider-Man: The Great Web: Cancelled 2024
- London Studio project: Cancelled, studio closed 2024
- Horizon Hunters Gathering: Rebooted August 2026 (fate unknown)
In 2022, former CEO Jim Ryan promised Sony would make and release 12 live-service games by 2025. As of 2025, only one of these—Helldivers 2—has enjoyed a successful launch, with seven cancelled before release and three supposedly still in development (including the deeply troubled Marathon) . That's a success rate of roughly 8%, catastrophic by any business standard.
What Makes Helldivers 2 Different?
The only PlayStation live-service success, Helldivers 2, offers important lessons. Helldivers 2 sold more than 12 million copies, ranking as the No. 3 best-selling game of 2024 in the US . But critically, it was developed by Arrowhead (not a first-party Sony studio) and built on an existing fanbase from the original game. Sony published it but didn't micromanage it to death.
For Filipino gamers tracking best deals Philippines today on PlayStation titles, the message is clear: be extremely cautious about any Sony live-service announcement. The odds of cancellation far exceed the odds of success.
What This Means for Filipino PlayStation Gamers
The PS5 Investment Question
Filipino gamers face a tough calculation. The PS5 currently sells for ₱27,990-₱31,990 in the Philippines depending on the model and retailer. With Horizon 3 now potentially a PS6 title releasing in 2028 or later, is buying a PS5 today still worth it for Horizon fans?
The math has changed significantly:
| Scenario | Timeline | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon 3 releases 2028 | 2 years away | Likely PS6 exclusive or cross-gen |
| Horizon 3 releases 2029+ | 3+ years away | Almost certainly PS6 exclusive |
| PS6 launches | Estimated 2027-2028 | ₱35,000-₱45,000 estimated PH price |
Current Horizon Games Still Worth Playing
The good news: Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West remain excellent games available at great prices in the Philippines. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition currently sells for ₱2,299-₱2,999 on Shopee, while Zero Dawn can be found for ₱899-₱1,299. Both are massive open-world RPGs offering 50+ hours of gameplay.
If you haven't played them yet, now is actually a perfect time to catch up on the existing games while waiting for Horizon 3's development to stabilize.
What About Horizon Hunters Gathering?
Should Filipino gamers get excited about the rebooted Hunters Gathering? Honestly, it's too early to say. The game doesn't have a release date, doesn't have confirmed features, and might not even survive past December 2026. Any excitement should be tempered with extreme caution.
For gamers who enjoy multiplayer experiences, keep an eye on it, but don't make any purchase decisions based on this game until we see actual gameplay from the rebooted version and know it's definitely releasing.
Should You Buy PS5 or Horizon Games Now?
PS5 Console: Wait or Buy?
Buy Now If:
- You want to play PS5 exclusives like God of War Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, or Astro Bot
- You haven't played Horizon Forbidden West yet
- You can find deals under ₱28,000 for the digital edition
- You're okay with 2-3 years of use before PS6 arrives
Wait If:
- You're primarily waiting for Horizon 3 (it's years away)
- You want cutting-edge hardware (PS6 coming 2027-2028)
- Budget is tight and you can save ₱1,500-₱2,000/month toward PS6
Horizon Games: Current Buying Guide Philippines
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition:
- Shopee Price: ₱2,299-₱2,999
- Physical vs Digital: Physical offers resale value
- Worth It? Absolutely—one of PS5's best exclusives
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition:
- Shopee Price: ₱899-₱1,299
- Also on PC: Available on Steam for similar pricing during sales
- Worth It? Essential if you haven't played it
Alternative PlayStation Games to Consider
While waiting for Horizon 3, consider these excellent PS5 exclusives available in the Philippines:
- God of War Ragnarök: ₱2,799-₱3,299 (similar epic adventure gameplay)
- Spider-Man 2: ₱2,999-₱3,499 (open-world action)
- Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut: ₱2,499-₱2,999 (samurai open-world)
- Returnal: ₱1,999-₱2,499 (challenging sci-fi roguelike)
Money-Saving Strategies for Filipino Gamers
If you're determined to build a PlayStation game library affordably, combine these strategies:
- Physical over Digital: Save 15-25% and can resell when done
- Patient Gaming: Wait 6-12 months after release for 40-50% discounts
- Trade-In Programs: GameXtreme and Datablitz accept trade-ins
- PlayStation Plus Extra: ₱1,475/quarter gives access to 400+ games catalog
- Use Vouchers: Stack Shopee coins, bank promos, and platform vouchers
You can also explore deals under your budget to find gaming accessories, PSN credit, and other PlayStation essentials at better prices.
The Bottom Line: Uncertainty Reigns
The Horizon Hunters Gathering reboot represents everything wrong with Sony's live-service strategy: rushed announcements, poor planning, negative fan reception, and a willingness to sacrifice beloved single-player franchises on the altar of microtransaction revenue. Filipino Horizon fans who've supported this franchise for nearly a decade now face years more waiting for Aloy's story to conclude.
The silver lining? At least Sony is responding to feedback and pivoting away from live-service when it doesn't work, rather than doubling down like they did with Concord. The question is whether this pivot comes too late to save Hunters Gathering—and whether the resources poured into this troubled project have irreparably delayed Horizon 3.
For Filipino PlayStation gamers, the smart move is clear: enjoy the excellent Horizon games already available, don't make any purchase decisions based on Hunters Gathering until December 2026 at the earliest, and start saving for PS6 if you're primarily interested in Horizon 3.
Stay tuned to smartly.sale for updates as this story develops, and check out our free gaming credits Philippines guide to maximize your PlayStation budget while we wait for clearer answers about the Horizon franchise's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horizon Hunters Gathering cancelled?
Not yet, but it's on life support. The game is being completely rebooted after negative playtest feedback, with live-service elements stripped out. Guerrilla Games has until December 2026 to deliver a milestone that impresses PlayStation executives, or the game could be cancelled. The project's future is extremely uncertain.
When will Horizon 3 release in the Philippines?
Horizon 3 likely won't release until 2028 at the earliest, possibly 2029 or later. Almost all of Guerrilla Games has been working on Horizon Hunters Gathering for years, leaving only a tiny team on Horizon 3. Industry insiders say the mainline sequel is "still far, far away" from release. It may be a PS6 title rather than PS5.
What went wrong with Horizon Hunters Gathering?
The game received poor feedback during private playtests earlier in 2026, particularly during the May closed beta. While specific criticisms haven't been publicly disclosed, the response was severe enough to trigger a complete reboot, removal of all live-service elements, and a massive reduction in scope. This suggests fundamental gameplay or design problems that couldn't be fixed with patches.
Should I buy a PS5 now or wait for PS6?
It depends on your priorities. Buy a PS5 now (₱27,990-₱31,990 in PH) if you want to play current exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök, or Spider-Man 2. Wait for PS6 (estimated 2027-2028 launch, ₱35,000-₱45,000 PH price) if you're specifically waiting for Horizon 3, want cutting-edge hardware, or can save ₱1,500-₱2,000 monthly toward the next-gen console.
Why does Sony keep cancelling live-service games?
Sony's live-service push has been catastrophic, with only 1 success (Helldivers 2) out of 12 planned games. The massive failure of Concord, which shut down after just 2 weeks and reportedly cost $400 million, has made Sony executives extremely risk-averse. They're now reassessing every live-service project and cancelling anything that doesn't show strong potential, resulting in cancelled God of War, Bend Studio, Spider-Man, and Last of Us multiplayer games—plus the Horizon Hunters Gathering reboot.