Summary
In a recent interview forLEGO Horizon Adventures, Guerrilla Games art director Roy Postma reveals why the studio moved away from theKillzonefranchise. Originally launching on the PlayStation 2,Killzonewas labeled by many to be Sony’s attempt to take down Microsoft’s popularHaloseries. While many would argue that the series never quite reached those heights, theKillzoneseries quickly developed its own fanbase of players.
Taking place in a futuristic and fictional world, theKillzoneseries pits two factions, the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance against the militaristic Helghan Empire. Offering a full story campaign experience, the shooter also shipped with competitive PvP game modes as well, which was a staple of many shooters during this era. However, following thelaunch ofKillzone: Shadow Fallon the PlayStation 4in 2013, the franchise has largely been dormant, with Guerrilla Games switching gears with the open world action title,Horizon: Zero Dawn.
As it turns out, the complete shift away from theKillzonefranchise was intentional. In a recent interview with theWashington Postabout theupcomingLEGO Horizon Adventuresgame, Guerrilla Games art director Roy Postma admitted that the studio was seemingly tired of the gritty and gray worlds ofKillzoneand wanted to work on something a bit more colorful and diverse. Postma explained that, “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.”
Will Guerrilla Games Revisit Killzone In the Future?
Part of the appeal of working on theHorizonfranchise for Guerrilla is that it appeals to a wider audience, with its themes and characters. Considering the immense popularity of theHorizonfranchise as well as how well the series has sold for Sony to this point, it seems the future ofKillzoneremains in doubt. Postma’s comments seemingly indicate that the studio is largely done with it, preferring the more diverse and unique world theHorizonfranchise offers. Still, it’s entirely possible that theKillzonefranchise makes a comeback, perhaps taking advantage of Sony’s live-service model push in some way, though it likely won’t be fromGuerrilla with its multipleHorizonprojectsin the works.
“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.’ I think 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.”
With Activision Blizzard a fully owned Microsoft studio, many PlayStation fans worried that theCall of Dutyfranchise would eventually be taken away, becoming exclusive to Xbox for consoles. In terms of replacing the massively popular shooter, there were many in the community who felt that aKillzonerevival could be Sony’s answer toCall of Duty, though it seems that a new developer would need to take the reins for a future installment. For now, Microsoft continues to indicate thatCall of Dutyisn’t leaving PlayStation anytime soon, and fans can get their fix soon whenBlack Ops 6officially launches.
Killzone: Shadow Fall
WHERE TO PLAY
Guerrilla Games and Sony Computer Entertainment bring you another installment in the first-person shooter franchise known as Killzone. Taking place thirty years after the events of Killzone 3, the events of Killzone Shadow Fall are set in a time of planetary colonization. The game focuses on the conflict between the Vektans and the Helghast – two rival colonist factions inhabiting a remote planet.For 3 decades, both factions have lived side by side, separated by an enormous security wall. But now, their Cold War is about to run hot. It is up to Lucas Kellan, a member of the military intelligence unit dubbed the Shadow Marshals to attempt to protect the fragile peace that exists.A new warrior for a new era of war, Kellan’s missions will range from quiet infiltrations to all-out combat. Players will need to be methodical and ready to adapt, as any misstep could lead to mutually assured destruction. Lucas will still rely on classic weapons like the M82 Assault Rifle, stA-18 pistol, and others from previous Killzone games along with a host of new weapons and tactics for fans to master.
