NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO Project

Discover the latest on the Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," which has been canceled by NCSoft. Dive into the details of this abandoned project and what it means for the future of the Horizon series.

NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG Amid Feasibility Review

On January 13, 2025, NCSoft, a renowned South Korean developer and publisher known for the Lineage and Guild Wars series, announced the cancellation of several projects, including the much-anticipated Horizon MMORPG. According to a report by the South Korean news site MTN, the decision came after a thorough "feasibility review" by NCSoft, leading to the suspension of multiple game developments.

In addition to the Horizon MMORPG, another project codenamed "J" was also canceled, while "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review. The departure of key developers from NCSoft played a significant role in the cancellation of these projects. Those who remained were reassigned to other ongoing projects within the company. The removal of projects "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart further solidifies their termination.

As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued an official statement regarding this development. It remains unclear whether other developers or publishers might pick up the remnants of "Project H" to continue its development.

Despite this setback, fans of the Horizon series can look forward to another multiplayer project in the works. Guerilla Games, the creators of the Horizon franchise, are actively developing a separate online game.

Guerilla Games' Horizon "Online Project" Progresses

Guerilla Games confirmed their interest in expanding the Horizon universe with an online project through a Twitter (X) post on December 16, 2022. They are seeking developers to join their team in Amsterdam to work on "a separate Online Project set in Horizon’s universe," which will introduce a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.

Further evidence of this ongoing development came in November 2023, with a job listing for a Senior Combat Designer. The role involves designing "multiple machine enemies that provide a variety of challenges against multiple players," suggesting the creation of formidable opponents suitable for a multiplayer environment.

As of January 2025, Guerilla Games continues to recruit for this project, with a recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer. The role requires experience with "building and operating multi-service, 1M+ globally distributed systems across multiple public cloud providers," hinting at their ambition to support a large player base. While an official announcement is pending, this project appears to be Sony's internal development effort, distinct from the canceled NCSoft collaboration.

Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership

On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft, aiming to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise alongside SIE's global entertainment leadership. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, stated, "Partnering with NCSOFT advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation’s reach to a wider audience."

This partnership reflects a shared vision between Sony and NCSoft to deliver high-quality entertainment experiences to players worldwide. While the Horizon MMORPG may not see the light of day, this collaboration could pave the way for other Sony titles to explore mobile platforms in the future.