NCSoft Axes 'Horizon' MMO

NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"

NCSoft's plans for a Horizon MMORPG, internally codenamed "H," have been canceled, according to a January 13, 2025 report by South Korean news outlet MTN. The cancellation follows a company-wide "feasibility review" that also resulted in the termination of other unannounced projects (codenamed "J"). Another project, "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage"), remains under evaluation. The MTN report further indicates that key developers assigned to "Project H" have departed NCSoft, with remaining team members reassigned to other projects. The removal of "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart solidifies their cancellation.

While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements, the future of "Project H" remains uncertain. The possibility of another developer or publisher reviving the project is currently unknown.

Separate Horizon Online Project in Development

This news contrasts with the ongoing development of a separate Horizon online multiplayer game by Guerrilla Games, referred to as the "Online Project." Guerrilla Games publicly announced their intention to create this title in a December 2022 Twitter (X) post, seeking developers to join their Amsterdam team. The project was described as featuring a new cast of characters and a unique visual style.

Further evidence of the multiplayer game's development emerged in a November 2023 job posting for a Senior Combat Designer, specifying the need to design challenging machine enemies for multiple players. A subsequent January 2025 job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer revealed Guerrilla Games' anticipation of a player base exceeding one million, hinting at a significant online experience.

Sony and NCSoft Partnership

The recent strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft, announced November 28, 2023, adds another layer to the situation. While the canceled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this partnership could open doors for future collaborations and potentially bring other Sony titles to mobile platforms.