gaming

Horizon Hunters Gathering rebooted to drop live-service model after playtest backlash

Horizon Hunters Gathering has been rebooted to remove its live-service elements. Developers made the change after early private playtests produced negative feedback about the live-service design. Dropping the live-service model alters the game's approach to ongoing updates and monetization, representing a strategic shift in development.

• The project was rebooted specifically to ditch live-service mechanics following player reactions in early private playtests.
• Negative feedback from those private playtests targeted the game's live-service elements and prompted the redesign decision.
• The title will no longer operate as a live service, removing expectations of persistent online updates and built-in ongoing monetization.
• The change shifts development focus from continuous live support to a non-live release model, which will affect how content and monetization are handled.