The gaming world has been buzzing with the official unveiling of a Horizon MMORPG, though the announcement has generated mixed reactions from the dedicated fanbase. Speculation about a multiplayer Horizon experience has been circulating within the industry for more than five years, with Guerrilla Games subtly hinting at such a project through a 2020 job posting that specifically sought developers with multiplayer open-world game expertise.

Interestingly, this newly revealed MMORPG appears to be distinct from the live-service Horizon title that Guerrilla Games has reportedly been developing internally. Horizon Steel Frontiers represents a completely separate undertaking, developed by a different studio and seemingly targeting a different player demographic altogether.

During the G-Star 2025 gaming conference in Korea on November 13, developer NCSoft officially introduced Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG set within the Horizon universe created in partnership with Guerrilla Games. This ambitious project will cast players as machine hunters navigating the treacherous Deadlands, where they'll join forces with other real-world players to confront colossal machines in raid-style battles reminiscent of Monster Hunter encounters.

The gameplay experience promises extensive gear crafting and customization systems, along with the ability to ride various machines while uncovering the hidden mysteries of the Deadlands. Neither NCSoft, Guerrilla Games, nor Sony have clarified where Horizon Steel Frontiers fits within the franchise's established timeline, nor have they confirmed whether beloved characters like Aloy, Erend, or Sylens will make appearances in this new chapter.

Despite the impressive visuals showcased in the announcement trailer, Horizon Steel Frontiers has immediately become a point of contention among Horizon enthusiasts due to its chosen platforms. The game will be a cross-platform title available on iOS, Android, and PC, with all players sharing the same game world regardless of their chosen device.

Notably absent from the official PlayStation Blog announcement, developer commentary trailer, and the game's official website is any mention of PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 versions. This omission has understandably disappointed many longtime fans, particularly given that Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West began as PlayStation exclusives, establishing the franchise as a cornerstone of Sony's first-party IP portfolio.

This marks the second instance in recent days where Sony has announced a mobile-focused multiplayer spin-off from a traditionally single-player franchise, following the November 12 reveal of Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble for iOS and Android devices. While NCSoft brings substantial MMO development credentials from successful titles like Lineage and Guild Wars, some Horizon fans remain understandably cautious about this new direction, given its significant departure from the series' established PlayStation and single-player foundations.