NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO Project

Are you a fan of the Horizon series? If so, you might be disheartened to hear that the much-anticipated Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," has been canceled by NCSoft. Dive into the details of this surprising development!

NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Amid Feasibility Review

On January 13, 2025, MTN, a reputable South Korean news site, reported that NCSoft, a leading developer and publisher known for the Lineage and Guild Wars series, has canceled several projects, including the eagerly awaited Horizon MMORPG. This decision comes as part of NCSoft's ongoing "feasibility review," which also led to the axing of other games, codenamed "J." Meanwhile, "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under scrutiny.

The report also revealed that the developers behind the Horizon MMORPG have left NCSoft. Those who remained are being reassigned to other projects within the company. The cancellation was further solidified by the removal of projects "H" and "J" from NCSoft’s organizational chart.

As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement on this matter. It remains uncertain whether another team will pick up "Project H" and continue its development.

Despite this setback, fans can look forward to another Horizon multiplayer game being developed by Guerilla Games.

Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022

Guerilla Games, the studio behind the Horizon series, announced their plans to create an online project set in the Horizon universe back in a Twitter(X) post on December 16, 2022. They are actively seeking game developers to join their team in Amsterdam for this "Online Project," which promises a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.

In November 2023, Guerilla Games posted a job listing for a Senior Combat Designer, hinting at the development of larger and more challenging machine enemies designed to tackle multiple players. This suggests a robust multiplayer component.

Fast forward to January 2025, and the search for talent continues. A recent job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer indicates that Guerilla Games is gearing up for a game that could support up to one million players globally. While an official announcement is pending, this project seems poised to be an internally developed Sony title.

Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft

On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft. This collaboration aims to leverage NCSoft’s technological prowess alongside SIE’s global leadership in the entertainment industry.

Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Partnering with NCSOFT advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation’s reach to a wider audience. Like SIE, NCSOFT shares a similar vision in creating high-quality, impactful entertainment experiences for players everywhere, and together we’re excited to collaborate to push the boundaries of gaming further."

While the Horizon MMORPG may not see the light of day, this partnership could pave the way for other Sony titles to explore the mobile gaming space in the future.