NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO

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

Horizon MMORPG Canceled 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, announced the cancellation of several projects, including the much-anticipated Horizon MMORPG. According to a report by MTN, a South Korean news site, the decision came after a thorough "feasibility review." Alongside the Horizon project, codenamed "H," other projects like "J" were also axed, while "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review.

The report also highlighted that several developers involved with the Horizon MMORPG have left NCSoft. Those who remained are being reassigned to other ongoing projects within the company. The removal of projects "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart further solidifies their cancellation.

As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement regarding this development. It remains uncertain whether another publisher or development team will pick up where "Project H" left off.

Despite this setback, fans of the Horizon series can look forward to another multiplayer project in development by Guerilla Games.

Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022

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

In November 2023, a job listing for a Senior Combat Designer hinted at the development of new, formidable machine enemies designed to challenge multiple players simultaneously. This suggests a robust multiplayer component.

As of January 2025, Guerilla Games continues to recruit for their unnamed Horizon multiplayer game, with a recent job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer indicating plans for a game that could support over one million players globally. While no official announcement has been made, this project appears to be internally developed by Sony, separate from NCSoft's efforts.

Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft

On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced 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, stated, "Partnering with NCSOFT advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation’s reach to a wider audience. 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."

This partnership could pave the way for Sony to explore more online multiplayer games, potentially bringing other titles to mobile platforms in the future, even if the Horizon MMORPG does not come to fruition.