# **Horizon Steel Frontiers MMO: Why It's Skipping PS5 For Now**
The gaming world is abuzz with the announcement of **Horizon Steel Frontiers**, a new entry in the beloved Horizon franchise. However, a significant detail has caught the attention of PlayStation fans: the game is currently slated for mobile devices and PC, noticeably omitting the PS5, a platform synonymous with the Horizon series. This decision raises numerous questions about the game's development, target audience, and the future of the Horizon universe. At [Gaming News](https://gamingnews.gitlab.io/), we dive deep into the reasons behind this strategic choice and explore what it means for players and the franchise itself.
## **Horizon Steel Frontiers: A New Direction for the Franchise?**
**Horizon Steel Frontiers** marks a significant departure from the established norms of the Horizon franchise. Developed in collaboration between Guerrilla Games and NCSoft, the game is an MMORPG set in the perilous Deadlands. This collaboration introduces a new dynamic, blending Guerrilla Games' rich narrative and world-building expertise with NCSoft's experience in creating immersive and engaging MMORPG experiences, drawing parallels to other successful games like Guild Wars.
### **Monster Hunter Inspiration and Mechanical Beasts**
The influence of Capcom's Monster Hunter series is undeniable in **Horizon Steel Frontiers**. Players will take on the role of Machine Hunters, tasked with tracking down and defeating colossal mechanical beasts. This concept translates the thrill of the hunt from organic monsters to formidable machines, adding a unique twist to the core gameplay loop. The customization options for your Machine Hunter and the promise of large-scale raids further enhance the MMORPG experience, offering a blend of familiar Horizon elements with new and exciting challenges.
## **The Omission of PS5: A Strategic Decision?**
The most significant question surrounding **Horizon Steel Frontiers** is why it's skipping the PS5, a platform that has been home to the franchise's most successful entries. This decision likely stems from a combination of factors, including market trends, development priorities, and strategic partnerships.
### **Focus on Mobile and PC Markets**
The mobile gaming market is experiencing exponential growth, and **Horizon Steel Frontiers** may be an attempt to tap into this lucrative segment. By targeting mobile devices, the game can reach a broader audience and generate revenue through microtransactions and other monetization strategies, as seen in other successful mobile MMOs. Similarly, the PC market remains a strong platform for MMORPGs, and the decision to release the game on PC through NCSoft's Purple platform further reinforces this strategy.
### **Leveraging NCSoft's Expertise**
NCSoft brings considerable expertise in developing and managing large-scale MMORPGs. Their experience with games like Guild Wars provides a solid foundation for **Horizon Steel Frontiers**. By partnering with NCSoft, Guerrilla Games can focus on the core elements of the Horizon universe while leveraging NCSoft's technical capabilities and infrastructure to create a robust and engaging MMORPG experience, tailored for PC and mobile platforms.
### **Development Priorities and Resource Allocation**
Developing a game for multiple platforms requires significant resources and time. By focusing on mobile and PC, the development team can optimize the game for those platforms and avoid the complexities of adapting it to the PS5. This decision may also be driven by the need to prioritize other projects within the Horizon universe, such as the rumored Horizon Zero Dawn remake for PS5.
## **What About the Future of Horizon on PS5?**
The absence of **Horizon Steel Frontiers** on PS5 doesn't necessarily indicate a shift away from the platform for the franchise. Guerrilla Games remains committed to developing games for PlayStation, and it's likely that future Horizon titles will continue to grace the PS5.
### **Rumored Horizon Zero Dawn Remake**
Rumors of a Horizon Zero Dawn remake for PS5 have been circulating for some time. This remake would not only enhance the visual fidelity of the original game but also introduce new gameplay mechanics and features, taking full advantage of the PS5's capabilities. A remake would reaffirm Sony's commitment to the franchise on its flagship console.
### **Horizon 3: The Next Mainline Entry**
While details are scarce, it's safe to assume that Guerrilla Games is already working on the next mainline entry in the Horizon series. This game will likely be a PS5 exclusive, building upon the foundations of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West and pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the platform.
## **Horizon Steel Frontiers: A Gamble That Could Pay Off?**
The decision to release **Horizon Steel Frontiers** on mobile and PC without a PS5 version is a calculated risk. While it may disappoint some PlayStation fans, it also opens up new opportunities for the franchise to reach a broader audience and explore new gameplay possibilities.
### **Expanding the Horizon Universe**
**Horizon Steel Frontiers** has the potential to expand the Horizon universe in significant ways. By exploring the Deadlands and introducing new characters and storylines, the game can enrich the lore and provide a deeper understanding of the world Aloy inhabits. The MMORPG format also allows for a more collaborative and social experience, bringing players together to tackle challenging quests and defeat formidable machines.
### **Addressing Concerns and Expectations**
To succeed, **Horizon Steel Frontiers** must address several key concerns and expectations. The game needs to offer a compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and a robust progression system. It also needs to be optimized for mobile devices and PC, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience across all platforms.
#### **Maintaining the Franchise's Quality**
The Horizon franchise is known for its high production values, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling. **Horizon Steel Frontiers** must maintain this level of quality to avoid alienating existing fans and attracting new ones. The collaboration between Guerrilla Games and NCSoft will be crucial in ensuring that the game meets these standards.
#### **Addressing Monetization Concerns**
As a free-to-play MMORPG, **Horizon Steel Frontiers** will likely feature microtransactions and other monetization strategies. However, it's essential that these monetization methods are implemented in a fair and balanced way, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics that could negatively impact the gameplay experience.
## **Tencent Lawsuit: Protecting the Horizon IP**
Sony's recent lawsuit against Chinese conglomerate Tencent over Light of Motiram, a game that Sony labeled as a "slavish clone" of the Horizon series, highlights the company's commitment to protecting its intellectual property. This legal action sends a clear message that Sony will not tolerate blatant rip-offs of its games and that it will take aggressive steps to defend its IP rights.
### **The Importance of IP Protection**
Intellectual property protection is crucial for the long-term success of the Horizon franchise. By safeguarding its IP, Sony can ensure that it maintains control over the creative direction of the series and that it receives the full value of its investments in development and marketing.
### **Sending a Message to the Industry**
The lawsuit against Tencent sends a powerful message to the gaming industry that Sony is serious about protecting its IP. This action may deter other companies from attempting to clone popular games and encourage them to develop original content instead.
## **Conclusion: A Bold Step Into New Territory**
**Horizon Steel Frontiers** represents a bold step into new territory for the Horizon franchise. By embracing the MMORPG format and targeting mobile and PC platforms, the game has the potential to reach a broader audience and expand the Horizon universe in exciting new ways. While the omission of the PS5 may disappoint some fans, it's a strategic decision that could ultimately benefit the franchise in the long run. As we await further details and a release date, we at [Gaming News](https://gamingnews.gitlab.io/) will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of **Horizon Steel Frontiers** and its impact on the gaming landscape. The game's success will depend on its ability to maintain the quality and integrity of the Horizon franchise while offering a compelling and engaging MMORPG experience. Whether it's a triumph or a misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: **Horizon Steel Frontiers** is a game that's worth watching closely.
