Horizon Forbidden West sequel confirmed as Studio Director departs

Killzone and Horizon Forbidden West developer, Guerrilla Games has undergone a change in leadership. The developer has lost its Studio Director who is moving to PlayStation Studios. The news comes after the release of Burning Shores, a major expansion for the game. In a statement released today, the developer confirmed that a sequel to the game is in the works. Here’s what the statement covered.

Horizon Forbidden West sequel and new “online project” in store for the Horizon franchise

After spending around two decades at Guerrilla Games, Studio Director and Executive Producer Angie Smets has departed for a role at PlayStation Studios as Head of Development Strategy. Acknowledging her departure and celebrating her time at the studio Guerrilla Games released a statement:

“After almost an incredible 20 years at Guerrilla, our Studio Director and Executive Producer Angie Smets is starting a new role as Head of Development Strategy at PlayStation Studios! We are all so grateful for the leadership Angie has provided for Guerrilla and wish her all the best in her new adventure!”

The new leadership structure at Guerrilla Games looks like this:

• Joel Eschler (Studio Director and Production Director)
• Hella Schmidt (Studio Director and General Manager)
• Jan-Bart van Beek (Studio Director and Art Director)

Speaking about the future of the franchise, here’s what the developers had to share:

“We have full confidence in our new leadership as they steer Guerrilla towards a bright future, expanding the world of Horizon with Aloy’s next adventure and our exciting online project. Michiel van der Leeuw (Technical Director) will be focusing on the future technology and strategy for the Decima engine.”

Burning Shores is likely the last major expansion for Forbidden West. With the game now having been out for over a year on PS5, speculation about a PC port is surfacing. However, with the release of The Last of Us Part 1 on PC recently, it may be a while before Forbidden West gets a PC port.