That’s up significantly from the 32.7 million sales in May 2023. Sony didn’t break down the latest individual sales for Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West and Call of the Mountain. It’s also unknown whether these include sales of the spin-off LEGO Horizon Adventures.

Horizon Forbidden West launched in February 2022 for PS4 and PS5, and sold 8.4 million copies as of 2023. It arrived for PC in March 2024. Horizon Zero Dawn received a remaster last year, but its sales haven’t been revealed.

A third game in the franchise is reportedly in the works, and Guerrilla is allegedly working with NCSoft on an online title (which may or may not have been cancelled). Neither has been officially revealed, so stay tuned for updates.

“As Lead Cinematic Producer you will work in partnership with the Production Director and other Lead Producers, to maintain the Cinematic workflow from conception to final delivery of cinematic sequences,” reads the job listing. “Working collaboratively cross-discipline with designers, programmers, and audio teams to integrate cinematics seamlessly into gameplay to develop high-quality narrative gameplay experiences.”

The listing also goes on to reveal that the game under development is a AAA project with a heavy focus on storytelling, player agency, immersion, and atmosphere. As part of the studio, the role also involves working on “ground-breaking territory on next-generation hardware technologies.”

It is currently unknown what Firesprite has been working on since the release of Horizon Call of the Mountain. Rumours from back in October 2024, however, have indicated that the studio has been working on a sequel to horror game Until Dawn. These rumours were further fuelled by the existence of a job listing from back in 2022 where the studio was looking for work on a “AAA narrative driven horror-adventure game.”

Reports from last year have also indicated that Firesprite may not be the best place to work due to accusations of a toxic workplace. According to the reports of the time, the studio leadership was partaking in what was described as “classic nepotism”, with its leadership also being accused of being “bullies” and “tyrants”. The report also indicated that some problems might have been formed from Sony’s attempts at restructuring it since its acquisition in 2021.

Other problems at the studio reportedly include sexual discrimination and ageism, with Firesprite being run under a “culture of fear” that also leads to worker exploitation through forced crunch, especially during the development of Horizon Call of the Mountain.

On Twitter, Baker said he was “annoyed” at not being able to leak his knowledge of the sequel. He noted that Firesprite, which worked on Horizon Call of the Mountain for PlayStation VR2, is “apparently” working on it.

It may seem out of left field but after PlayStation acquired Firesprite in 2021, a job listing emerged in 2022 for a narrative lead on a “triple-A narrative-driven horror-adventure game.” The description fits Until Dawn to a tee. Of course, it’s anyone’s guess on when it could launch.

Earlier this year, Firesprite suffered layoffs like other first-party PlayStation studios. Reports also alleged a toxic work culture following Sony’s restructuring with reports of sexual discrimination, crunch on Horizon Call of the Mountain, and more. If Until Dawn 2 really is in development at the studio, it remains to be seen if these factors will affect it. Stay tuned for updates in the meantime.

Call me selfish but I’m annoyed I wasn’t able to leak I knew about this

But here’s some more info I heard about this sequel.

Apparently it’s Firesprite making it https://t.co/VUb4BdYpva

— Marvel vs CapNick  (@Shpeshal_Nick) October 3, 2024

As per the report, since its acquisition by PlayStation, Firesprite has been bleeding talent at a startling rate, with all but one of the studio’s founders having left the company over the last year. The report claims that Sony brought in new leadership for Firesprite from its fellow British studio XDev, which sources have anonymously described as “classic nepotism”, as per the report.

The report goes on to state that employees have described Firesprite’s new leadership as “bullies” and “tyrants” who treat people “like it’s a factory”. Others have said the new studio heads are “way out of their depth” and “just care about their money”, and that Sony’s attempts to restructure the studio have “ruffled many feathers” and significantly changed the studio’s culture from what it used to be like prior to its acquisition.

Further issues have reportedly exacerbated Firesprite’s problems, including accusations of sexual discrimination and ageism, a “culture of fear” leading to crunch during the development of PS VR2 launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain (on top of internal pressure from series stewards Guerrilla), the unfortunate passing of an HR leader that left to the studio’s HR team unable to deal with its growing team, projects being consolidated, employees being moved to new projects they had no interest in, and more.

One employee has claimed that Sony “played political games and installed their mates in charge”, while another said, “Sony has committed the worst possible mistake in buying a studio and meddling to the point where it may end up in a death spiral and unable to complete any of the projects it is working on.”

Speaking about Horizon Call of the Mountain’s development, another source said, “There was a lot of pressure on the team, not only to deliver a game, but switch platforms and systems, onboard new people. The scope wasn’t going to change, the quality wasn’t going to change, and the end date wasn’t going to change.”

The report claims that an internal investigation was held by Sony and Firesprite to look into 13 complaints that were made against leadership by employees, including with incidents related to allegations of sexual discrimination and ageism. As per anonymous employees cited in the report, Sony labeled these incidents as a “misunderstanding”, though Eurogamer states it has learned that some employees received payouts from Sony after exploring legal options.

The studio will see an “unspecified number” of employees laid off, which PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst confirmed alongside layoffs for Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog and Guerrilla Games. Though there was word recently about Twisted Metal, suggesting an imminent release, a source told Schreier that it was in early development and not yet greenlit.

The next Twisted Metal has been rumored since 2021, with Destruction AllStars studio Lucid Games reportedly at the helm. Its development would allegedly switch to Firesprite with job ads last year hinting at it further.

In addition to layoffs at the above studios, SIE London Studio will be shut down entirely. The studio worked on Blood and Truth for PlayStation VR and was recently working on a live-service PS5 title.

NEW: As part of today's mass layoff, Sony has canceled a Twisted Metal live-service game that was in development at UK-based studio Firesprite, Bloomberg has learned.

Firesprite will also lay off an unspecified number of people. https://t.co/pvCDsS7yxe

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) February 27, 2024

Despite some recent scuttlebutt suggesting that Twisted Metal was close to release, the game was in early development and wasn't yet greenlit, per source

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) February 27, 2024

The information was shared by PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst in an update published on the official Sony Interactive Entertainment website, where he wrote, “These decisions have been extremely difficult, but they are necessary, and I think it’s important to be transparent.”

In the US, the studios that will be affected are Naughty Dog and Insomniac Games, as well as PlayStation’s Technology, Creative, and Support teams.

Naughty Dog recently confirmed that it had cancelled its long-in-development standalone multiplayer project The Last of Us Online. The studio said at the time of its cancellation that it was working on multiple major single player projects.

Insomniac Games, on the other hand, released Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 last October. In addition to becoming one of the studio’s best-reviewed games of all time, the game has also seen impressive sales, having sold over 10 million units worldwide.

Moving outside of the US, first-party European studios will also be affected, with Hulst stating that layoffs are also “proposed” at Horizon developer Guerrilla and Firesprite, which was acquired by PlayStation in 2021. In addition, SIE London Studio is set to be shuttered entirely.

In addition, there will also be “some smaller reductions in other teams across PlayStation Studios”, as per Hulst.

“PlayStation 5 is in its fourth year, and we are at a stage where we need to step back and look at what our business needs,” he wrote. “At the same time, our industry has experienced continuing and fundamental change which affects how we all create, and play, games.

“Delivering the immersive, narrative-driven stories that PlayStation Studios is known for, at the quality bar that we aspire to, requires a re-evaluation of how we operate.

“Delivering and sustaining social, online experiences – allowing PlayStation gamers to explore our worlds in different ways – as well as launching games on additional devices such as PC and Mobile, requires a different approach and different resources.

“To take on these challenges, PlayStation Studios had to grow. We have brought brilliant and successful Studios into our family. We have invested in new technology and partnerships. We have recruited talent from across our industry and beyond.

“But growth itself is not an ambition. PlayStation Studios is committed to continually discovering ways to work together; collaborating and combining our efforts to ensure that we are able to craft games that push the boundaries of play and deliver what you expect from us.

“We looked at our studios and our portfolio, evaluating projects in various stages of development, and have decided that some of those projects will not move forward.”

The full extent of which projects across PlayStation Studios have been cancelled hasn’t yet become clear. Stay tuned for continued updates.

Firesprite has announced that it has moved to a new studio space in Liverpool, which, the developer says, will help it fullfil its “vision of becoming a creative powerhouse within the PlayStation Studios family”. The developer says its new studio space is designed around its “key pillars” of “collaboration and inclusiveness”, and to “support the new paradigm of working” around remote and in-office work.

Firesprite also confirms that it now has over 250 employees.

The studio’s first project following its acquisition was Horizon Call of the Mountain, which launched for PS VR2 as a launch title in February. As for what’s next, job ads have suggested that Firesprite is working on a new story-driven AAA survival horror game, which, according to alleged leaked PlayStation documents, is codenamed Heartbreak, is built on Unreal Engine 5, and will release for PS5 and PC.

Leaks have also claimed that Firesprite is working on a Twisted Metal reboot.

Some are fine with that. Others are probably angry. You can make up your mind. However, it does raise the question: What are Sony’s first-party studios doing?

Let’s start with the confirmed titles. First is Insomniac Games, which finally showcased gameplay for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Not only did it introduce Kraven as one of the new villains, but also Dr Curt Connors in his Lizard incarnation, tearing through the East River as Kraven’s Hunters chased him. The Symbiote suit was also revealed, but on Peter Parker, who has some new brutal abilities to go with it. Miles Morales was no slouch, showcasing new gadgets and enhanced Venom Blast powers that can chain lightning.

It was a lot to dissect, and we’re left with many questions about the story (like the state of Harry Osborne). A release date isn’t confirmed, but Insomniac said it would share the same soon with other details like the pre-order date, accessibility features and more.

Haven Studios, founded by Jade Raymond of Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs and EA Motive fame, also showcased its brand-new title, Fairgame$. Coming to PS5 and PC, it’s an online heist game with competitive elements. No gameplay was showcased, but the various scenarios of its CG trailer did reinforce the emergent sandbox moments that Haven is going for.

Heisters had a grappling hook which could, well, grapple onto the environment and hoist them up. However, it could also grapple a piece of metal to use as a shield or create a barrier against laser wires. It appears to support three-player teams, but not much else is known. A QR code led to a page that may be for pre-registering for an upcoming closed beta. It’s either that or Sony really wants to know which billionaire needs a spanking (seriously).

Firewalk Studios, founded in 2018 by Harold Ryan, former CEO of Bungie, unveiled its new title as well. It’s a PvP first-person shooter called Concord out in 2024 for PS5 and PC. That’s more or less it – yes, once again, no gameplay was showcased. It was touted as a “unique universe of vibrant worlds” and a “rich cast of colorful characters,” so maybe a hero shooter? It’s too early to say, but its director and executive producer have worked on Destiny, so we’ll see.

Odd as it sounds, that’s really all that was revealed on the first-party side. Bungie is owned by Sony and unveiled Marathon, but that’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC with crossplay and cross-save. It’s also a PvP extraction shooter, presumably one with live-service elements. Again, time will tell, but at least whenever gameplay debuts, it will be closer to the game’s release. So there’s that.

It’s understandable for some to be worried that this is all Sony has in the pipeline from its first-party studios. However, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reported that “a lot of the games we’re waiting on seeing are pretty much ready” and he was unsure why Sony chose to not reveal them. The Snitch further chimed in, stating that there some announcements weren’t revealed at the Showcase, and it’s unknown why.

One of those is a PC port for a triple-A title reportedly out in July. That would probably answer what Nixxes is up to, though your guess is as good as ours as what said title could be (update: It’s Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, out on July 26th for Steam and the Epic Games Store).

Some of the projects we know about that aren’t formally announced include Bend Studio’s next game. The Days Gone developer is working on a new IP with a “whole new world,” which builds on the open-world systems seen in its zombie survival title and incorporates multiplayer. It’s planning to reveal the title when the time is “right” – sadly, that time wouldn’t be at the recent PlayStation Showcase.

Firesprite, fresh off of releasing Horizon Call of the Mountain with Guerrilla Games, had job listings last year for a “triple-A narrative-driven horror adventure game.” However, later rumors indicated that it’s also working on a reboot of Twisted Metal, with a former Destruction AllStars director onboard. While Firesprite never officially announced it, several job listings emerged last February for a new triple-A multiplayer title that “aims to break new ground in multiplayer, blending gameplay mechanics in new ways and deeply embedding storytelling elements into a unique universe.”

The Principal Designer listing also mentioned “mechanics around vehicular and on-foot combat.” Even if Twisted Metal is in the works, perhaps to coincide with the upcoming show, it seems to be a ways off from release.

Guerrilla Games released Horizon Forbidden West last year to critical and commercial success and followed it up with the Burning Shores expansion this past April. It also worked on the PlayStation VR2 title Horizon Call of the Mountain. Given how Forbidden West and Burning Shores ended, we can safely assume Horizon 3 is on the way.

For its part, the developer confirmed that it would continue “to create epic solo adventures for Aloy.” However, it’s also working on an online Horizon game, developed by a “new internal team” and featuring a “new cast of characters” and a “unique stylized look.” Subsequent job listings have suggested that it will be open-world and feature new Machines, though, again, it may be a while before any gameplay is showcased.

There’s been a lot of talk about online titles and live service, so here’s some potentially good news for single-player fans – Ghost of Tsushima developer Sucker Punch Productions put up job listings last year for a new project. The Encounter Designer listing indicated this was “an open-world game, with a particular focus on melee combat and stealth.”

That sounds like a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima is in development. Whether it’s coming sooner than expected, especially since the first game was released in 2020, remains to be seen, but it would be incredibly hype. Will Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, the amazing four-player co-op experience, also return? It probably isn’t beyond Sony to already have a live-service spin-off based on the same in development, so we’ll see.

Amid all of Sony’s first-party studios, Bluepoint Games appears to be the most low-key. The Demon’s Souls remake developer revealed earlier this year that it was “hard at work on our next project” but also that it would showcase it “When the time is right. All good things take time.” What’s particularly interesting is that this project isn’t a remake but “original content,” according to Sony. A sequel to Bloodborne, as rumored by XboxEra in October 2021? One could hope, but the mill has run dry on reliable Bloodborne rumors over the years.

LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule confirmed that live support for Dreams would end on September 1st, 2023, as it focuses on its “exciting new project.” The developer has confirmed it’s not Dreams 2 or based on the IP. Studio co-founder Mark Healey, who served as the creative director of Dreams, left the studio shortly after the announcement.

Another co-founder, Kareem Ettouney, who also served as art director, also departed the studio earlier this year. While this doesn’t mean Media Molecule are in trouble, you have to wonder what it means for the future, especially since ending support for Dreams wasn’t an “easy decision.”

Another low-key first-party studio lately has been London Studio, which released VR shooter Blood and Truth in 2019. It confirmed last October that it’s working on a non-VR, online co-op title set in London but with a fantasy twist. Developed on the in-house Soho Engine, co-studio head Tara Saunders said it’s the studio’s “most ambitious game to date.” While it doesn’t use “all different bits of peripherals, it is still about taking that DNA of innovation and putting it into any game concept,” per Saunders.

Regarding the theme, co-studio head Stuart Whyte revealed, “Our overarching theme is about bringing fantastical and magical elements and intersecting that with familiar worlds, and you don’t get much more familiar to us than London.” Again, sounds interesting, but it may be a ways off from release.

Astro’s Playroom developer Team Asobi was one of the only teams to survive the end of Japan Studio and now exists as a standalone developer. Last we heard, it’s working on “a franchise for all ages with global appeal,” per PlayStation Studios head Herman Hulst. A job listing in July 2021 indicated the studio was hiring for a 3D action title and that creativity and humor would be a part of it. Again, no formal announcement made, so it’s a toss-up when we’ll hear about it.

Finally, there’s Naughty Dog, working on a standalone multiplayer title for The Last of Us. Unfortunately, it seems that development has run into some issues. The developer revealed it’s giving the project “more time,” while Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier said it’s being reassessed for “quality and long-term viability.”

The development team has reportedly been scaled back, with some going to work on other projects, but it’s not cancelled. Interestingly, Naughty Dog said it has “other games” in the works, including a “brand new single-player experience.” The Last of Us director Neil Druckmann confirmed he was working on a new project last year, while also saying it was “too early” to discuss. He’s open to developing The Last of Us Part 3, but that’s not exactly set in stone (yet).

There were rumors of an Uncharted reboot, developed by a different studio. A new recruiter was brought on last year to build teams for “new games” and the “legacy of Uncharted.” Sony would subsequently announce a new internal studio in San Diego with PlayStation Studios Visual Arts to work with Naughty Dog on a “new project in a beloved franchise.” A tease for what could be the next Uncharted was spotted in a live-action trailer for PS5 in January, but again, nothing official has been announced.

There are other first-party studios like Housemarque and Santa Monica Studio, but the former has not indicated its next project. The latter released God of War Ragnarok last November, and it may be a long while before its next project is unveiled. Polyphony Digital indicated in February that work has started on the next Gran Turismo, but it can’t talk about the same just yet. In the meantime, it continues to pump out content updates for Gran Turismo 7.

Given all the projects in development, it remains to be seen if Sony will have more State of Plays this year to showcase its other projects. It’s not odd to see a publisher hold back announcements to avoid bloating its shows (see Xbox). Sony may also be taking a page out of Nintendo’s book and keeping its completed projects under wraps before announcing and releasing them within the same time frame.

If nothing else, it could also be a lean year for triple-A exclusives on the PS5. Given Sony’s recently revealed strategy to have two or more major games yearly, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise. As horrifying as that no doubt sounds for the PlayStation diehard, the company has released several high-profile exclusives since the PS5’s launch in November 2020. There’s bound to be some downtime in between.

Nevertheless, it should still be an interesting year for PS5 players. Final Fantasy 16 is out in June; Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is reportedly targeting a September release; Helldivers 2 is later this year; and we’re still awaiting news on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the next chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, still planned for Winter 2023. The near future is pretty bright, even if we still need more details on what’s coming in 2024 and beyond.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

There are also more options for subtitles, from speaker colors and larger font sizes to a black box behind them. The patch also features fixes for crashes, performance, Machines, etc. If you’ve been getting stuck on objects or blocked from progressing because you killed a Stormbird near a campfire, that should all be fixed.

Check out the full patch notes below for more details. Horizon Call of the Mountain is available now for PlayStation VR2. Sales are unconfirmed, but the headset has reportedly not been performing well, and a price cut is needed to avert disaster. Sony hasn’t officially confirmed this, so stay tuned for more details in the future.

Horizon Call of the Mountain – Patch 1.04

PATCH NOTES

Accessibility Features

• Improved subtitle options – Black box behind subtitles, speaker colors, and increased font sizes for subtitles, tutorials and user action prompts.
• High Contrast Mode – Highlights objects that the user can interact with.
• Auto Crafting Arrows – Allows the user to skip the arrow crafting action.
• Auto Crafting Tools – Allows the user to skip the gameplay for crafting tools.
• Added the option to disable or enable tutorials in Mission Replays.
• Added the option to disable slow down on jumps.

Performance and Stability

• Various crash and performance fixes.

Missions and Progression

• Various fixes for where the user could drop onto and become stuck on objects.
• Fixed a rare issue where the user may not be able to complete the final mission after using the campfire near the end of the mission.
• Fixed an issue where the user could become stuck in a menu when using a campfire whilst in the ammo crafting tutorial.
• Fixed an issue where killing the Stormbird near the campfire would block the user from progressing.
• Fixed an issue where the user may become stuck when climbing the Tallneck, or may not be able to complete the climb.
• Fixed an issue where if the user kills the Stormbird too quickly progression may be blocked.

Machines

• Fixed an issue where the Shellwalker would not damage the user after its claw had been destroyed.
• Fixed an issue where a Watcher may become inactive and not attack the player.
• Fixed an issue where the Stormbird may become idle and disappear when having the frost status effect applied.

UI/UX

• Fixed an issue where Aim Assistance would re-enable when rebooting the title.
• Fixed an issue where the user’s screen may be darkened when destroying the rope bridge’s ropes before the tutorial became active.
• Fixed an issue where the user may be unable to complete the Crafting Tutorial if hit by an enemy whilst crafting.
• Fixed an issue where the user’s UI may disappear after fighting the Scrappers.
• Fixed an issue where gaze tracking may flicker between options in the Menu screens.

Other

• Fixed an issue where the Pan Flute may continue to make noise when dropped, or if the user enters combat whilst using it.
• Various audio, dialogue, and music fixes.
• Various geometry fixes.
• Various lighting fixes.
• Updated the Credits list.

Developed by Guerrilla and Firesprite, the first person title has received praise from critics and audiences alike, and to highlight some of the former, Sony has released an accolades trailer for the game, which also shows various glimpses of its combat, the Machines that players encounter throughout the game, its climbing-focused gameplay, and more. Check out the trailer below.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is available exclusively on PlayStation VR2. Horizon fans looking to dive into a more traditional series experience also have Horizon Forbidden West’s upcoming expansion, Burning Shores, to look forward to. It launches exclusively for PS5 next month.