The iconic Killzone franchise from Sony has been on a long hiatus, but recent discussions are reigniting hopes among fans for its revival. In an insightful interview with VideoGamer during the PlayStation: The Concert Tour, Killzone's composer, Joris de Man, expressed his wish to see the series return to the gaming scene.
"I know that there have been petitions for it," de Man stated, acknowledging the community's desire. He tempered his optimism, however, by noting the complexities involved in reviving such a franchise. "I think it's [tricky] because, I can't speak for Guerrilla or anything... I don't know if it will ever happen. I hope it will because I think it is quite an iconic franchise, but I also think it kind of has to take into account the sensitivities and the shift in, I guess, what people want because it is quite bleak in some ways."
When considering potential forms of a Killzone comeback, de Man suggested that a remastered collection might be the more successful route, as opposed to a brand-new installment. "I think [a] remastered one would be successful, I don't know if a new game would be as much," he remarked. He further speculated on the gaming community's evolving preferences, suggesting that players might be leaning towards something more casual and quicker-paced, contrasting with Killzone's slower, weightier gameplay style.
Killzone games, especially Killzone 2, have been noted for their deliberate pace and the infamous input lag on the PlayStation 3, which affected the game's responsiveness. The series is also known for its dark, gritty visuals, tone, and atmosphere, which might not align with current trends in gaming.
Meanwhile, recent statements from Guerrilla, the Sony-owned developer behind Killzone, indicate a shift in focus towards the Horizon series, as mentioned in an interview with the Washington Post. Despite this, the last Killzone game, Killzone Shadow Fall, released over a decade ago, and the prospect of the franchise's return continues to captivate a dedicated fanbase.
As discussions about Killzone's future persist, fans remain hopeful. Joris de Man's support for a revival adds another voice to the chorus calling for Sony to bring back this beloved PlayStation shooter franchise.