Key Takeaways on Killzone’s Potential Revival
- Joris de Man, composer for the acclaimed *Horizon Zero Dawn*, believes a remastered collection of the *Killzone* series could thrive, fueled by increasing fan interest.
- He expresses skepticism regarding a new *Killzone* installment, citing concerns that its dark and dystopian tone may not resonate with contemporary gamers.
- Despite this uncertainty, the commercial success of recent gritty shooters like *Helldivers 2* and *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* hints at a potential market for a *Killzone* comeback.
Joris de Man, noted for his work on Guerrilla Games’ groundbreaking title, *Horizon Zero Dawn*, recently lent his insights on the future of the *Killzone* franchise. While he envisions a remastered collection of past games as a marketable venture, his confidence wanes when considering a brand new entry in the iconic first-person shooter realm.
Originally launched in 2004, the first *Killzone* game established itself as a PlayStation counterpoint to major FPS franchises such as *Call of Duty* and *Halo*. It garnered acclaim for its compelling, war-torn sci-fi visuals, high-quality graphics, and the memorable Helghast enemy faction. Noted for their distinctive military attire and eerie red eyes, these antagonists have become emblematic of the series. Unfortunately, since the release of *Killzone: Shadow Fall* in 2013 as a PS4 title, the franchise has been largely dormant, with Guerrilla Games shifting focus to other projects.
Although the likelihood of a new *Killzone* title appears diminished, there is a palpable demand among fans for a remastered collection, especially given that the majority of earlier titles are not compatible with the PS4 and PS5. In a recent interview with Videogamer, de Man affirmed, “I think [a] remastered one would be successful.” Nonetheless, he conveyed doubt about whether gamers still desire a new *Killzone*, noting that players might favor experiences that are “a bit more casual, a bit more quick.”
De Man Highlights Modern Player Sensitivities Impacting Killzone’s Tone
De Man further indicated that any prospective *Killzone* title would need to adapt to the evolving gamer “sensitivities”and preferences, which might clash with the franchise’s traditionally grim and dystopian narrative. However, some commentators contend that the challenge does not lie with the tone of *Killzone* itself, but rather with the diminishing interest in linear, narrative-driven FPS games amid the widespread popularity of live-service models. The recent acclaim for titles like *Helldivers 2* and *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* suggests that there remains a viable audience hungry for dark, war-themed shooters, highlighting a possible niche for *Killzone* in today’s gaming landscape.
Ultimately, the future of the *Killzone* series is contingent upon the decisions of Sony and Guerrilla Games. Given that the studio did not commemorate the franchise’s 20th anniversary last year, the prospect of new developments appears slim. Nevertheless, with Sony exhibiting an interest in revitalizing older properties, coupled with the heightening demand for *Killzone*, the idea of a remaster—or perhaps even multiple remasters—could remain a possibility worth considering.