As Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King faces increased scrutiny, rebootingKillzonemight be PlayStation’s answer to its potentialCall of Dutyproblem. Microsoft is possibly preparing to bring access to the entireCall of Dutyfranchise on Xbox Game Pass, and as long as the competitor continues adding new genres to its collection, PlayStation is in danger of overlooking the value of its original properties. Exclusivity plans or not, when it comes toKillzone, the company is still due to revisit its FPS catalog while Sony expands its offerings to the wider playerbase.
Sony thus far has sustained a popular formula of third-person games that prioritize quality over quantity, with very few deviations in this pattern of game development. In past years, especially duringthe PS3 generation, the first-party lineup explored many genres that brought out the best from its studios. The status quo at PlayStation seems to be healthy, if not outstanding, but some fans have missed IPs left behind in favor of cinematic storytelling. Killzone is a war-torn universe that is worthy of another look, and PlayStation Plus could be a tool for distributing a renewed multiplayer suite that competes with contemporary shooters likeCall of Duty.
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Killzone Could Keep PlayStation Competitive with Xbox Game Pass
In the future, PS Plus could attract consumers by integrating first-party apps alongside the service - providing premium exclusives that draw from different sources.Killzoneis a franchise particularly suited to fill the FPS role in PlayStation’s gaming ranks, and as interest mounts in dormant PlayStation IPs,Killzonecould be an audiovisual showcase of the PS5 system’s capabilities. The series' creator, Guerrilla Games, has come into their own with itsHorizonfranchise which brings even more potential for a sentimental revival.Horizon Call of the Mountain’s VR launchis imminent, which is hopefully a sign that Sony is still open to leveraging properties in imaginative ways.
Xbox Game Pass, for all of its recent shortcomings in parity, has given developers the ability to produce diverse first-party projects likePentimentandHi-Fi Rush. PS Plus will probably never scale in the same way as Game Pass, there are differences in PlayStation’s strategy, but it might be viable in providing select experiences such as alive serviceKillzoneproject. If there is the possibility of including a modest single-player experience too, this could lead to a constrained reboot that comes with a quicker turnaround.Call of Dutyhas the advantage of being a massive franchise, but Sony’s expertise in crafting optimized experiences could extend to a newKillzonethat’s faithful and focused.
What a Rebooted Killzone Series Could Look Like
BothKillzoneandCall of Dutyarguably share an appetite for spectacle over open-ended action, but the sci-fi universe has unique worldbuilding that should open up the design to many more gameplay possibilities. The warring factions, the Helghast and Vektans, arm themselves using advanced weaponry on gritty alien worlds. The scale of these conflicts is apocalyptic, makingKillzonestand out despite its similarities with other immersive, semi-linear military shooters. There’s also the chance forKillzoneto mirror the evolution fromCall of DutytoTitanfall– IPs connected by the same talent and creative energy – as Guerrilla’s setting is already complete with futuristic themes and bipedal mechs.
There are unique circumstances that could positionKillzoneas an alternative to mainstream first-person shooters that also appeases fans ofTitanfall. While it may not be able to totally fill that void, considering news thatEA canceled a new single-playerTitanfall, Sony should understand the mass appeal of a reboot that not only reinvigoratesKillzonebut also a neglected FPS subgenre. Very few players would question PlayStation’s quality standards, as the mystery lies in whether it is willing to invest in projects that branch out from its existing base.
