Killzone Composer Reflects on Series' Appeal: 'People Want More Casual, Quick Games'

The iconic Killzone franchise from Sony has been on a hiatus for quite some time, but the call for its revival is growing louder. In a recent interview with VideoGamer for the PlayStation: The Concert Tour, Killzone composer Joris de Man expressed his hope for the series' return. "I know that there have been petitions for it," de Man shared. He acknowledges the challenges, stating, "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 what people want because it is quite bleak in some ways."

When considering the potential return of Killzone, de Man suggests that a remastered collection might be more successful than launching a brand-new entry. "I think a remastered one would be successful, I don't know if a new game would be as much," he noted. He points out that the slower-paced and weightier gameplay of Killzone, particularly the infamous input lag in Killzone 2 on the PlayStation 3, might not align with the current trend toward more casual and quick gaming experiences. The franchise is known for its dark, depressing, muddy, and gritty visuals, tone, and atmosphere, which sets it apart from faster-paced shooters like Call of Duty.

Recent comments from Guerrilla, the Sony-owned developer behind Killzone, suggest that the team has moved on to focus on the Horizon series. However, it's been over a decade since the last Killzone game, Shadow Fall, and the prospect of reviving Killzone—or another of Sony's PlayStation shooter franchises—remains an exciting possibility for many fans. While the future of Killzone remains uncertain, fans can take comfort knowing they have advocates like Joris de Man in their corner.