NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
News outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft has canceled several projects, including a planned Horizon MMORPG codenamed "H," following a company-wide feasibility review. This decision comes after key developers departed NCSoft. The company also reportedly canceled another project, codenamed "J," while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under evaluation. Developers remaining on "Project H" have been reassigned to other NCSoft projects, and "H" and "J" have been removed from the company's organizational chart.
While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements, the cancellation raises questions about the future of the Horizon MMORPG concept. It remains uncertain if another publisher or development team will acquire the assets and continue development.
A Separate Horizon Multiplayer Game Remains in Development
However, fans of the Horizon franchise can still look forward to a separate online experience. Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the main Horizon series, confirmed in a December 16, 2022, Twitter (X) post their work on a distinct "Online Project" set within the Horizon universe. This project features a new cast of characters and a unique visual style.
Further evidence of this ongoing project comes from job postings. A November 2023 listing for a Senior Combat Designer highlighted the creation of challenging multi-player combat encounters with new, powerful machines. A more recent January 2025 job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer revealed Guerrilla Games' expectation of over one million players, suggesting a large-scale online game.
Sony and NCSoft's Partnership: Broader Implications
The November 28, 2023, announcement of a strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft adds another layer to the situation. While the Horizon MMORPG is no longer in development, this collaboration opens doors for Sony to expand its reach into mobile gaming and other online platforms.
Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, stated that the partnership aims to broaden PlayStation's audience. Though the future of a Horizon MMORPG remains uncertain, this partnership signals Sony’s ambition for growth in the online gaming market.
