Boy, this is awkward: Sony drops the first Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest directly on top of the Marathon server slam this weekend

This weekend is shaping up to be a real mixed bag for gamers, with Sony announcing the first playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering just as Marathon’s server slam kicks off. While these events are for distinctly different titles, the timing feels a bit too coincidental.

Horizon Hunters Gathering invites players into its world, aiming to refine gameplay and gather valuable feedback from early participants. This is an exciting step for the series, which has seen tremendous success with its blend of exploration and combat mechanics. However, launching such a significant playtest during a major network stress test for Marathon, a game that is generating its own waves of anticipation, raises eyebrows.

The Marathon server slam is designed to coax players in and test the multiplayer infrastructure of this long-awaited reboot. With fans eager to dive into Bungie’s latest offering, it seems like a rather bold move from Sony to push out a Horizon event at the same moment. Sure, competitive playtests happen all the time in the gaming world, but the juxtaposition here feels a bit off.

As the gaming community gears up for what could be a chaotic weekend, players will have to decide where to focus their attention—on exploring the lush landscapes of Horizon or diving into the frenetic multiplayer action of Marathon. Both titles promise unique experiences, but launching them so closely together underlines the competitive landscape of the gaming market today. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the tension between major franchises is palpable, and gamers are ready to engage.

Source: pcgamer.com