As work continues on Horizon 3, the focus of conversations has shifted from whether it will be impressive to exploring just how much Guerrilla Games can push the boundaries of their technical and narrative potential.
Since the debut of Horizon Zero Dawn in 2017, the franchise has experienced significant growth, with the sale of countless millions of copies and the introduction of spin-offs such as a VR game and a LEGO version. The upcoming third mainline game is certain to leave its last-generation hardware behind.
It appears that Sony is considering launching Horizon 3 simultaneously on both the current PS5 and its upcoming system, tentatively known as the PS6. This move aims to make the game accessible for players who haven’t upgraded yet, but it might potentially limit the game’s maximum performance.
In the case of Horizon Forbidden West, they faced a similar predicament. They managed to provide a visually stunning, albeit somewhat restricted experience on PS4, while reserving certain technical aspects for the PS5. Despite this, it was evident that certain design components had to be scaled back to run smoothly on older hardware, particularly AI intelligence, environmental complexity, and loading times.
The discourse surrounding the generational gap in gaming has hit an all-time high, making it the perfect time for Horizon to take the lead. While the PS5 certainly packs a punch, its age (five years) is beginning to show as its cutting edge starts to dull.
If the need for backward compatibility makes Horizon 3 adapt to the limitations of older hardware, it might miss out on significant improvements in level design, seamless transitions, and battle mechanics that the PS6 offers. However, a cross-generational launch does have its advantages.
Due to rising hardware costs and economic instability, many gamers are unable to upgrade their systems promptly. Therefore, releasing a PS5 version of the game ensures that millions won’t miss out on the experience. However, it seems that the trade-off is no longer as appealing because PC users can enjoy Forbidden West with advanced features such as ray tracing, high frame rates, ultra-wide monitors, and mod support, which enhance the game in ways consoles cannot match.
Going forward, the PS6 promises to let Horizon 3 reshape what the series is capable of. Following the release of the Burning Shores DLC, the upcoming installment will delve further into Nemesis’ narrative, with AI being marked as the significant danger ahead. Given the magnitude of the storyline, it’s challenging not to envision the game benefiting from advanced hardware.
The detailed emotional sequences, stunning landscapes, and intricate battle tactics would greatly benefit from having more space to grow, something only the PS6 can provide without being constrained by the limitations of the PS5. The studio’s ongoing projects are certainly worth taking a look at. It is rumored that Guerrilla Games is currently working on a multiplayer spin-off of Horizon, and since Sylens has been recast following Lance Reddick’s passing, we may not see Horizon 3 until late 2027 or even later.
This timeline effectively highlights the cutting-edge capabilities of the PS6, allowing developers ample time to fully explore its possibilities. In fact, some industry experts speculate that Horizon 3 might serve as a flagship game for the initial or early stages of the new console’s lifecycle.
In order for a visually impressive series like Horizon 3 to thrive and innovate, clinging too tightly to its past might not be advantageous. While wider accessibility is valuable, it should not overshadow the potential of what the game could become. By allowing it to grow organically, Horizon 3 has the opportunity to set new standards for the franchise and next-gen open-world games.
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2025-05-21 10:12