As Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King faces increased scrutiny, rebooting Killzone might be PlayStation's answer to its potential Call of Duty problem. Microsoft is possibly preparing to bring access to the entire Call of Duty franchise on Xbox Game Pass, and as long as the competitor continues adding new genres to its collection, PlayStation is in danger of overlooking the value of its original properties. Exclusivity plans or not, when it comes to Killzone, the company is still due to revisit its FPS catalog while Sony expands its offerings to the wider playerbase.
Sony thus far has sustained a popular formula of third-person games that prioritize quality over quantity, with very few deviations in this pattern of game development. In past years, especially during the PS3 generation, the first-party lineup explored many genres that brought out the best from its studios. The status quo at PlayStation seems to be healthy, if not outstanding, but some fans have missed IPs left behind in favor of cinematic storytelling. Killzone is a war-torn universe that is worthy of another look, and PlayStation Plus could be a tool for distributing a renewed multiplayer suite that competes with contemporary shooters like Call of Duty.
Killzone Could Keep PlayStation Competitive with Xbox Game Pass
In the future, PS Plus could attract consumers by integrating first-party apps alongside the service - providing premium exclusives that draw from different sources. Killzone is a franchise particularly suited to fill the FPS role in PlayStation's gaming ranks, and as interest mounts in dormant PlayStation IPs, Killzone could be an audiovisual showcase of the PS5 system's capabilities. The series' creator, Guerrilla Games, has come into their own with its Horizon franchise which brings even more potential for a sentimental revival. Horizon Call of the Mountain's VR launch is imminent, which is hopefully a sign that Sony is still open to leveraging properties in imaginative ways.
Xbox Game Pass, for all of its recent shortcomings in parity, has given developers the ability to produce diverse first-party projects like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush. PS Plus will probably never scale in the same way as Game Pass, there are differences in PlayStation's strategy, but it might be viable in providing select experiences such as a live service Killzone project. If there is the possibility of including a modest single-player experience too, this could lead to a constrained reboot that comes with a quicker turnaround. Call of Duty has the advantage of being a massive franchise, but Sony's expertise in crafting optimized experiences could extend to a new Killzone that's faithful and focused.
What a Rebooted Killzone Series Could Look Like
Both Killzone and Call of Duty arguably share an appetite for spectacle over open-ended action, but the sci-fi universe has unique worldbuilding that should open up the design to many more gameplay possibilities. The warring factions, the Helghast and Vektans, arm themselves using advanced weaponry on gritty alien worlds. The scale of these conflicts is apocalyptic, making Killzone stand out despite its similarities with other immersive, semi-linear military shooters. There's also the chance for Killzone to mirror the evolution from Call of Duty to Titanfall -- IPs connected by the same talent and creative energy -- as Guerrilla's setting is already complete with futuristic themes and bipedal mechs.
There are unique circumstances that could position Killzone as an alternative to mainstream first-person shooters that also appeases fans of Titanfall. While it may not be able to totally fill that void, considering news that EA canceled a new single-player Titanfall, Sony should understand the mass appeal of a reboot that not only reinvigorates Killzone but also a neglected FPS subgenre. Very few players would question PlayStation's quality standards, as the mystery lies in whether it is willing to invest in projects that branch out from its existing base.
