Guerrilla Games has shed light on its decision to eschew a multiplayer component for its upcoming PlayStation 4-exclusive title, Horizon: Zero Dawn.
Speaking with IGN Latin America (via iDigitalTimes), the game’s Executive Producer, Mark Norris, explained: “There are questions as to why a multiplayer will not do. The reality is that we are putting together a new IP. We are making a new franchise…and what we really want to do is improve the experience for the player. But what happens when you take the elements of multiplayer? You play as a supporting character? How does that work?”
Horizon: Zero Dawn was announced during Sony’s E3 2015 press conference, and marks a significant creative departure for Guerrilla Games, who up until now has cut its teeth in the science-fiction shooter, Killzone. The game is scheduled to ship for PS4 at some point in 2016, and won’t feature any firearms.
Set 1000 years in the future, Horizon: Zero Dawn takes the form of an action-RPG in a world where humanity has long since abandoned earth, which is now ruled by a race of mechanised creatures. Gamers find themselves placed in the role of Aloy, a hunter and archer who must survive the post-apocalyptic landscape armed with only primitive weaponry in comparison to her hulking adversaries. Guerilla has said that the main character takes influence from Sarah Connor, the heroine of the Terminator series.
Guerrilla Games has said that Horizon will marry role-playing elements from Assassin’s Creed and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and features a dynamic day/night cycle within its open-world environment. Gamers will be able to scavenge for supplies by looting the fallen bodies of Aloy’s enemies, and can wield an assortment of weapons to defend themselves with, including arrows, tripwires, explosives, and much more. The developer has also promised that the game won’t feature any loading times.
Horizon: Zero Dawn is being directed by Mathijs de Jonge, who also helmed the PS3-exclusive shooter, Killzone 3. It is the first title by Guerilla Games since the Amsterdam-based studio’s PS4 launch title, Killzone Shadow Fall.