NCSoft Cancels 'Horizon' MMORPG

NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"

NCSoft's ambitious Horizon MMORPG, internally codenamed "H," has been canceled, according to a January 13, 2025 report by South Korean news outlet MTN. This follows a company-wide "feasibility review" that also resulted in the termination of other undisclosed projects (codenamed "J"). The cancellation of "Project H" is further substantiated by the departure of key development personnel and the removal of "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart. While NCSoft and Sony remain officially silent, the news casts doubt on the future of this particular Horizon MMO. Another project, "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage," is reportedly still under review.

The remaining developers have reportedly been reassigned to other NCSoft projects. The possibility of another developer picking up the project remains uncertain.

Guerrilla Games' Separate Horizon Online Project Remains Active

Despite the NCSoft setback, Guerrilla Games continues its development of a separate Horizon online project, first announced on December 16, 2022. Job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023 and a recent listing for a Senior Platform Engineer, suggest a large-scale multiplayer experience targeting over one million players. These postings highlight the development of new, challenging machines designed for cooperative gameplay. The game, still unnamed, is expected to feature a new cast of characters and a distinct visual style.

Sony and NCSoft Partnership: Broader Implications

The November 28, 2023 announcement of a strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft aimed to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and SIE's global reach. While the cancellation of the Horizon MMORPG is unfortunate, this partnership could open doors for future collaborations and potentially bring other Sony titles to mobile platforms.

The future of Horizon in the MMO space remains uncertain, but Guerrilla Games' continued work on its online project offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager for a multiplayer Horizon experience.