Sony is navigating a potentially crowded weekend for game testing, with the closed playtest for its upcoming co-op action game, Horizon Hunters Gathering, scheduled to overlap with the open “Server Slam” for Bungie’s Marathon. The timing has sparked discussion among players, particularly given Sony’s recent performance with live service games and its relationship with Bungie.
Horizon Hunters Gathering, developed by Guerrilla Games, aims to bring cooperative gameplay to the Horizon universe, allowing up to three players to team up as Hunters to defend against deadly machines. The closed playtest, beginning February 27th, is designed to gather feedback and refine the game before its full release. This comes as Sony continues to invest in live service titles, a strategy that has so far yielded mixed results, according to industry observers.
The overlap with Marathon’s Server Slam – running from February 26th to March 2nd – is particularly notable. Bungie intends the Server Slam to stress-test its servers and technical infrastructure ahead of the game’s launch on March 5th. The goal is to simulate peak player load and identify potential issues before the official release, as detailed on the Bungie website.
Players on Reddit have questioned Sony’s scheduling decision, suggesting it could pit two potentially competing audiences against each other for playtime. Some commentators have pointed to Sony’s expressed disappointment with Bungie’s performance since its acquisition in 2022, and the broader challenges the company has faced in delivering successful live service experiences.
Horizon Hunters Gathering: A New Approach to the Horizon Universe
Horizon Hunters Gathering represents a significant departure in art style from the mainline Horizon series, opting for a more cartoonish aesthetic. Game Director Arjan Bak of Guerrilla Games explained that the team envisioned players hunting machines together from the earliest stages of the Horizon project, drawing on their experience with the Killzone multiplayer titles. Combat is described as tactical, reactive, and skill-based, building upon the precision of previous Horizon games while incorporating the dynamics of team play.
The game will feature at least two distinct game modes: Machine Incursion, a high-intensity wave-based challenge culminating in a boss battle, and Cauldron Descent, a multi-stage trial designed to test players’ skills and reward teamwork. The foundation of Horizon Hunters Gathering centers around challenging and replayable hunts, according to Guerrilla.
Sony’s Live Service Push and Bungie’s Challenges
Sony’s investment in live service games has been a key component of its strategy to diversify revenue streams and build long-term player engagement. However, the company’s ambitions in this space have not yet fully materialized. The acquisition of Bungie, the developer behind the Destiny franchise, was intended to bolster Sony’s live service capabilities, but the partnership has faced challenges.
The Horizon franchise, previously known for its single-player action role-playing games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, has sold over 40 million units worldwide as of November 2025. Horizon Hunters Gathering represents an attempt to expand the franchise’s reach and appeal through a cooperative, live service model.
It’s important to note that the Horizon Hunters Gathering test is a closed event, accessible only to invited players. While some speculate about potential overlap between the fanbases of Horizon and Marathon, others suggest the audiences may be distinct.
What’s Next for Horizon and Marathon?
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Horizon Hunters Gathering and Marathon. The feedback gathered from the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest will inform further development and refinement of the game. Meanwhile, the Marathon Server Slam will provide critical data on the game’s technical performance and stability. The success of these titles will be closely watched as Sony continues to navigate the evolving landscape of live service gaming.
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