The Horizon game franchise, developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has reached a historic milestone: over 38 million copies sold worldwide. This massive achievement not only solidifies Horizon’s place among Sony’s elite gaming properties but also signals the global impact and growing legacy of this post-apocalyptic action RPG universe.
A Franchise Built on Innovation and Storytelling
The Horizon series, starting with Horizon Zero Dawn, captured the imagination of gamers with its unique blend of lush open-world exploration, robotic creatures, and a compelling lead protagonist, Aloy. First released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Horizon Zero Dawn quickly became a fan-favorite due to its innovative gameplay mechanics, rich narrative, and striking visual design.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where remnants of human civilization clash with mechanical beasts, the game introduced players to a universe steeped in mystery, tribal conflict, and advanced AI. The narrative arc, character depth, and combat system set a new standard for action RPGs on the platform.
Horizon Zero Dawn and Its Expansions
Horizon Zero Dawn achieved critical acclaim and massive commercial success shortly after release. It later expanded with The Frozen Wilds, a DLC that added new regions, enemies, and deepened the lore. The game’s combination of mechanical hunting, crafting, and skill-based combat drew millions of players into Aloy’s world.
In 2023, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was announced, further enhancing the game’s legacy with updated visuals, performance improvements, and PlayStation 5 optimizations. This move brought a new generation of players into the fold, contributing significantly to the franchise’s total sales growth.
Horizon Forbidden West – A Sequel that Elevated the Series
Building on the success of the original, Horizon Forbidden West debuted in 2022 for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, pushing the boundaries of next-gen gaming. With expanded biomes, underwater exploration, new traversal mechanics, and more diverse machine enemies, the sequel was widely hailed as one of the best open-world games of the year.
Horizon Forbidden West also introduced new factions, advanced crafting, and deeper RPG elements, enhancing player immersion. Its massive critical and commercial success added significantly to the 38 million total sales milestone. The game later expanded further with the Burning Shores DLC, a PlayStation 5 exclusive that offered cinematic storytelling, next-gen graphics, and an intense continuation of Aloy’s journey.
PSVR2 Expansion – Horizon Call of the Mountain
Sony continued to innovate with the release of Horizon Call of the Mountain for PlayStation VR2, offering players a completely new way to experience the Horizon universe. Rather than focusing on Aloy, the VR title introduced a new protagonist while still anchoring the story within the established lore.
Call of the Mountain served as a technical showcase for PSVR2, utilizing eye-tracking, haptic feedback, and immersive controls to bring the Horizon world to life. This strategic expansion into the VR market broadened the franchise’s audience and demonstrated Sony’s long-term investment in the Horizon IP.
LEGO Horizon Adventures – Family-Friendly Collaboration
Adding a lighthearted and creative twist, Sony collaborated with LEGO to create LEGO Horizon Adventures, a family-friendly take on the Horizon universe. While still in development, this project has already generated buzz for its playful reinterpretation of familiar characters and settings.
LEGO Horizon Adventures aims to attract younger players and introduce the franchise to a broader demographic. This collaborative effort reflects a growing trend in the industry where legacy franchises are reimagined in new, accessible formats.
Sales Growth Revealed Through Legal Battle
In a surprising turn of events, the latest sales milestone of 38 million units was revealed not through a press release but via legal documents in an ongoing lawsuit. Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent Games, alleging that the upcoming game Light of Motiram unlawfully copies visual and thematic elements from the Horizon series.
Legal filings highlighted that Tencent had access to the Horizon IP during development, suggesting a breach of intellectual property rights. This disclosure also included the first update to Horizon’s sales figures since 2023, when the franchise had sold 32 million units. In just over a year, the series has sold an additional 6 million copies, indicating strong ongoing interest and growth.
Global Popularity and Cultural Impact
The Horizon franchise’s commercial success is matched by its cultural footprint. Aloy, the red-haired protagonist, has become one of the most recognizable and respected female characters in gaming. Her inclusion in crossover titles and her frequent appearance in gaming media further underscore her popularity.
Horizon’s influence extends beyond gaming. Academic discussions, fan theories, cosplay, and fan fiction communities have emerged around the rich lore of the series. The franchise’s strong themes of environmentalism, technology, and identity resonate with global audiences, further reinforcing its relevance.
What’s Next for the Horizon Series?
With multiple successful titles already released, the future of the Horizon series looks exceptionally bright. Guerrilla Games has confirmed that a multiplayer Horizon project is in development, expected to bring cooperative gameplay into the mix for the first time. This pivot toward social gaming could open new avenues for engagement and revenue.
Additionally, rumors of a third mainline title are gaining momentum. While unconfirmed, leaks and job postings at Guerrilla Games suggest that a sequel to Horizon Forbidden West is already in the conceptual or early development phase. A Netflix adaptation of the Horizon universe is also reportedly in production, signaling Sony’s intent to expand the franchise across media.
Conclusion: Horizon’s Enduring Legacy
With over 38 million copies sold worldwide, the Horizon franchise is no longer just a gaming success—it is a flagship intellectual property for PlayStation and a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. From its compelling storytelling and mechanical innovation to its expansion across platforms and genres, Horizon continues to evolve and thrive.
As the legal dispute with Tencent unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Horizon’s originality, influence, and commercial dominance. With new projects on the horizon—pun intended—Sony and Guerrilla Games are poised to take this iconic series to even greater heights.
The journey of Aloy and the Horizon world is far from over. And judging by its current momentum, the next milestone may be even more impressive.