Killzone Composer: 'People Want Casual, Quick Games'

The beloved Killzone franchise, a series of slower-paced, gritty shooters from Sony's Guerrilla Games, has been dormant for over a decade since the release of Killzone: Shadow Fall. Now, composer Joris de Man, known for his work on the series, has expressed a longing for its revival in a recent interview with VideoGamer during the PlayStation: The Concert Tour.

De Man acknowledged the existing fan petitions calling for the franchise's return but highlighted the challenges. "I know that there have been petitions for it," he said. "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 kind of the sensitivities and the shift in, I guess, what people want because it is quite bleak in some ways."

He suggested that a remastered collection might be more feasible and successful than a new entry, considering the shift in gaming preferences towards more casual and quick-play experiences. "I think [a] remastered one would be successful, I don't know if a new game would be as much," de Man noted. He pointed out that the original games, especially Killzone 2, were known for their slower gameplay and darker, more atmospheric setting, which may not align with current market trends.

Despite these considerations, the idea of bringing back Killzone or another of Sony's PlayStation shooter franchises remains appealing to many fans. However, recent statements from Guerrilla Games to the Washington Post suggest that the studio has moved on, focusing instead on the Horizon series.

As we reflect on the legacy of Killzone, fans continue to hold out hope. Whether a revival happens or not, they can take comfort knowing they have allies like Joris de Man rooting for the franchise's return.