Horizon Multiplayer Game Gets Surprise Playtest The Same Weekend As Marathon Server Slam
Kotaku
by Zack ZwiezenFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two major upcoming live-service games from Sony are making waves in the gaming world with their overlapping beta tests, creating a unique situation where players must choose between two experiences over the same weekend. The surprise release of Horizon Forbidden West's multiplayer mode coincided with the Marathon Server Slam, an event for the new Cross Media Marathons game, sparking confusion and intrigue among fans. While the exact reasons behind this scheduling overlap remain unclear, it has raised questions about Sony’s strategy for launching these ambitious projects.
Horizon Forbidden West, a sequel to the critically acclaimed open-world sci-fi game Horizon Zero Dawn, is expected to showcase its next-gen multiplayer features during the beta period. Meanwhile, Cross Media Marathons, a new IP from Sony, aims to blend gaming with live entertainment through its unique format. Both games are free-to-play titles with microtransactions, reflecting Sony’s push toward long-term player engagement and sustainable revenue models.
The timing of these betas has left players wondering whether they should prioritize one game over the other. While Horizon Forbidden West’s multiplayer mode likely offers a more polished experience given its established franchise status, Cross Media Marathons’ event-based model introduces a fresh approach to gaming. The overlap highlights the challenges developers face when launching multiple projects with similar release windows, especially in the competitive live-service market.
For readers interested in gaming trends, this situation underscores the complexities of managing high-profile titles and the potential risks of overextending marketing efforts. It also raises questions about how players will adapt to such a saturated release calendar and whether these competing betas could impact the long-term success of both games. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, events like these remind us of the delicate balance between innovation and execution in creating successful live-service experiences.
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Originally published on Kotaku on 2/24/2026