Guerrilla Games has confirmed that there are no plans to continue the “Killzone” franchise. The studio, renowned for its gritty, dystopian shooter series, has chosen to pursue a different creative direction. This decision reflects Guerrilla’s shift towards vibrant, more open worlds, as showcased in its highly successful “Horizon” series.
Guerrilla’s first major title, “Killzone,” was known for its dark, violent themes, often drawing inspiration from real-world depictions of authoritarianism. However, after years of developing this series, the team felt it was time for a change. Roy Postma, the art director at Guerrilla Games since 2000, shared insights on why the team decided to move away from “Killzone.” He stated, “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.’” Postma also highlighted that the themes in “Horizon,” such as community and self-discovery, resonate with a broader audience, adding, “I think the themes that this story and the characters represent are relatable for all ages, like having a found family of friends and finding your place in the world.”
The transition from “Killzone” to “Horizon” has proven successful, with the Horizon series receiving widespread acclaim. This success has even led to collaborations beyond traditional video games. In 2022, Lego and PlayStation partnered to release a Lego set based on one of Horizon’s iconic machines, the Tallneck. This collaboration marked an exciting venture for both companies. According to Bryant, a Lego executive, the partnership stemmed from mutual enthusiasm. “There was a lot of excitement internally at Lego about that, and certainly within the game team. We were all fans of Horizon.”
The partnership between Guerrilla Games and British studio Gobo has also been essential in the ongoing development of the “Horizon” franchise. Studio Gobo has a strong history of co-developing major titles, including Warner Bros.’ “Hogwarts Legacy.” Lead game designer Toño Gonzalez stated that working with Guerrilla Games has been their largest project to date, noting, “They bring so much knowledge on how to create something larger than life.”
Killzone Shadow Fall was the last game in the franchise. It was a launch title for the PS4.
