NCSoft's planned Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," has been canceled. This follows the departure of key developers from the company. Continue reading for details on this cancelled project and its implications.
NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Following Feasibility Review
South Korean news outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft had canceled multiple projects, including the Horizon MMORPG. This decision came after an internal "feasibility review." Besides "Project H," a game codenamed "J" was also reportedly canceled, while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under review. NCSoft is a major South Korean developer known for the Lineage and Guild Wars franchises.
The MTN report also stated that developers working on "Project H" left NCSoft. Remaining team members were reportedly reassigned to other company projects. The removal of "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart further confirms their cancellation.
Neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements regarding this report. The future of "Project H" remains uncertain; it's unclear if another developer will take over the project.
However, Guerrilla Games is actively developing a separate Horizon multiplayer game.
Guerrilla Games' Ongoing Horizon "Online Project"
Guerrilla Games publicly announced their "Online Project" for the Horizon series on December 16, 2022, via a Twitter (X) post. They are recruiting developers in Amsterdam to work on this separate project, featuring "a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look."
A November 2023 job posting for a Senior Combat Designer revealed details about designing challenging machine enemies for multiple players, suggesting a large-scale multiplayer experience. Further hinting at the game's scope, a recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer mentions the need for experience with "1M+ globally distributed systems," indicating an anticipated player base of over one million.
A formal announcement from Guerrilla Games is still pending. This project is likely a Sony internal development, distinct from the NCSoft collaboration.
Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership
On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a strategic global partnership with NCSoft, combining NCSoft's technology with Sony's entertainment expertise. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, stated that the partnership aims to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles. While a Horizon MMORPG may not materialize through this partnership, it could lead to other Sony titles appearing on mobile platforms.
