Attention, gamers and aspiring machine hunters! NCSoft has officially shouted from the digital rooftops about Horizon Steel Frontiers, the newest MMORPG that’s about to make waves, or at least a gentle ripple, in the gaming world—all based on Sony’s beloved Horizon franchise.
The Announcement of Adventure
This gem was unveiled at the highly-anticipated G-Star 2025 event, bringing global interest to new heights. Developers have teamed up with the original masterminds from Guerrilla (yes, the folks who birthed this digital wonder) to craft a gaming experience that players will either adore or be utterly confused by—hopefully the former. It’s slated for mobile devices and PC, accessible through NCSoft’s Purple app. No, it’s not a new tongue-twister; it’s the platform where this mischievous adventure awaits.
Setting the Scene
Peering into the not-so-distant future, Horizon Steel Frontiers invites players to roam the Deadlands, where machine hunters are the thing (not actual hunting of machines, which would be entirely impractical). This locale promises the signature hunting-action gameplay that fans have loved—along with some shiny new MMORPG systems. Expect a combat style so customizable that one could practically remake the game just by adjusting sliders. The freedom here is more extensive than a buffet on an all-you-can-eat night!
Release Date? What’s That?
When will gamers get to grapple with this latest installment, you ask? Well, no release date has been flung into the public arena, leaving everyone in a realm of speculation and nail-biting anticipation—fun times, indeed! In an unforeseen twist, there’s also no mention of a PlayStation version, which marks a groundbreaking change for the Horizon franchise. It’s like trying to bake a cake without flour—possible, but very strange.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
For those unacquainted with the rich history of this franchise, it’s worth noting that since its inception in 2017, the creative geniuses at Guerrilla have blessed the gaming universe with titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, its icy expansion Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds, the heart-pounding Horizon Forbidden West, its spinoff, Horizon: Call of the Mountain, and the thrill-inducing Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Oh, and let’s not forget the wondrously whimsical Lego Horizon Adventures, which redefined what it means to quest in blocky beauty.
A Bright Horizon Ahead?
Rumor has it—cue the dramatic music—a third mainline game in this epic series is lurking somewhere in development. If the sales figures are to be believed, over 38 copies have been sold as of June 2025! Not too shabby, eh?
In a fascinating twist of fate, Guerrilla mentioned intentions to stretch the horizons (pun absolutely intended) of this universe even further with an intriguing online co-op project. This upcoming adventure will introduce a fresh cast of characters and a visually unique style that may or may not confuse gamers into thinking they’ve booted up a different universe altogether.
Partnered for Greatness
The cherry on top of this adventurous sundae is the strategic global partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment, solidified in 2023. This alliance could lead down paths unimagined, especially since it came on the heels of reports about a collaboration with NCSoft to create the MMORPG. NCSoft, known for titles like Guild Wars, Blade & Soul, and Lineage, is taking a plunge into the Horizon waters. Let’s hope they packed floaties.
As former SIE chief Jim Ryan aptly stated, “Partnering with NCSoft advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation’s reach to a wider audience.” Sounds grand, doesn’t it? NCSoft and SIE are excited to merge their visions into a gaming experience that promises to push the boundaries—whatever that means, but who doesn’t love a good boundary-pushing?
So, buckle up, Horizon fans! The future of machine hunting is about to get a lot more wild, customizable, and possibly… purple.
