Horizon: Zero Dawn's Leap from Killzone Showcases Guerrilla Games' Versatility

Guerrilla Games, the acclaimed Sony-owned studio, made a deliberate decision to move away from its long-running Killzone franchise and embark on a new journey with the Horizon: Zero Dawn series. In an interview with the Washington Post, the studio's art director, Roy Postma, shed light on this strategic shift, highlighting the team's desire to explore a more vibrant and diverse world.

Embracing a Colorful Future: Guerrilla Games' Creative Transformation

Farewell to the Killzone Era

Following the release of Killzone: Shadow Fall on the PlayStation 4, Guerrilla Games recognized the need for a creative refresh. The studio had become synonymous with the gritty, greyish worlds of the Killzone series, and they felt it was time to explore new horizons. Postma explained, "We were done with it as a team. As a studio, we needed to refresh the palette. It was, by choice, the opposite of Killzone."

Embracing a Vibrant and Diverse World

The decision to move away from Killzone was a deliberate one, as Guerrilla Games sought to create a new series that would appeal to a wider audience. Horizon: Zero Dawn, with its colorful environments and captivating narrative, represented a significant departure from the studio's previous work. Postma noted, "The themes that this story and the characters represent are relatable for all ages and people, like having a found family of friends and finding your place in the world."

Expanding the Horizon Franchise

The success of Horizon: Zero Dawn has not only solidified Guerrilla Games' reputation as a versatile studio but has also paved the way for further expansion of the franchise. The upcoming Lego Horizon Adventures, co-developed by Guerrilla and Studio Gobo, aims to introduce the Horizon universe to an even broader audience, particularly younger players.

Lego Horizon Adventures: Bringing Aloy's World to Life

According to Lego's product lead of branded games, Kate Bryant, Lego Horizon Adventures will present the Horizon narrative in a more accessible and lighthearted manner. "It's re-spun in a Lego lens in a way that has just as much heart, bit also a bit sillier, more accessible, it can be something that a 10-year-old can experience," she explained. The game's focus on Aloy's character and her relatable journey will help to engage a wider audience, including younger players.

Embracing the Future: Guerrilla Games' Versatility Shines

Guerrilla Games' decision to move away from Killzone and embrace the Horizon franchise has not only showcased the studio's creative versatility but has also opened up new avenues for the series to reach a broader audience. The upcoming Lego Horizon Adventures, with its more accessible and family-friendly approach, further demonstrates Guerrilla's commitment to expanding the Horizon universe and introducing it to new generations of players.