The beloved Sony franchise, Killzone, has been on hiatus for quite some time, but recent comments from Killzone composer Joris de Man have reignited hopes for its return. In a candid interview with VideoGamer during the PlayStation: The Concert Tour, de Man voiced his support for bringing back the iconic series, acknowledging the existing fan petitions and the challenges involved.
"I know that there have been petitions for it," de Man remarked. "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 discussing the potential revival format, de Man suggested that a remastered collection might be more successful than launching a brand new game. "I think a remastered one would be successful, I don't know if a new game would be as much," he explained. "I don't know if people have moved on from it and want something. Sometimes I get the sense that people want something a bit more casual, a bit more quick."
The Killzone series is known for its slower-paced, weightier gameplay, a stark contrast to the fast-paced action of franchises like Call of Duty. Killzone 2, in particular, received criticism for its perceived input lag on the PlayStation 3, which affected the game's responsiveness. The series' distinctive visuals, tone, and atmosphere are characterized by their dark, gritty, and often depressing nature.
In a separate interview with the Washington Post, it appears that Sony-owned developer Guerrilla has shifted its focus away from Killzone towards their Horizon series. Despite this, it's been over a decade since the release of Killzone Shadow Fall, and the prospect of reviving Killzone—or another of Sony's PlayStation shooter franchises—remains an exciting possibility for many fans. With de Man's support, enthusiasts can take comfort knowing they have at least one more advocate in their corner.