NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO Project

Discover the latest on the canceled Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," and what's next for the franchise!

Horizon MMORPG Axed by NCSoft

NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Amid Feasibility Review

On January 13, 2025, NCSoft, a leading South Korean developer known for the Lineage and Guild Wars series, canceled several projects, including the highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG. This decision was reported by the South Korean news site, MTN, and was part of a broader "feasibility review" that led to the suspension of multiple game developments.

In addition to the Horizon MMORPG, projects codenamed "J" were also canceled, while "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review. The departure of key developers from NCSoft contributed to these cancellations, with remaining staff being reassigned to other ongoing projects. The removal of projects "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart further solidifies their termination.

As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement on this matter. It remains to be seen whether another developer or publisher will pick up the remnants of "Project H" and continue its development.

Despite this setback, fans of the Horizon series can look forward to another multiplayer endeavor from Guerilla Games.

Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022

Guerilla Games announced their venture into an online project for the Horizon series via a Twitter (X) post on December 16, 2022. They are actively recruiting for their Amsterdam-based team to work on this "Online Project," which will feature a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.

A November 2023 job listing for a Senior Combat Designer sought someone to design machine enemies that challenge multiple players simultaneously, hinting at a robust multiplayer component. By January 2025, Guerilla Games continued their recruitment efforts, posting a job for a Senior Platform Engineer, indicating their expectation of supporting over one million players across multiple cloud services.

While no official release date has been announced, this project could be Sony's internal development response to the canceled NCSoft project.

Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft

On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) unveiled a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft, aiming to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and SIE's global entertainment leadership. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, emphasized that this partnership aligns with Sony's strategy to expand beyond consoles and reach a wider audience.

"Partnering with NCSOFT advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation’s reach to a wider audience," Ryan stated. "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 mobile platforms, marking a significant expansion in Sony's gaming ecosystem.