Discover the latest on the canceled Horizon MMORPG project and what lies ahead for the franchise.
NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Amid Feasibility Review
On January 13, 2025, NCSoft, a leading South Korean developer and publisher known for the Lineage and Guild Wars MMORPG series, announced the cancellation of several projects, including the highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H." This decision came as part of a broader "feasibility review" by the company, as reported by the South Korean news site MTN.
In addition to "Project H," another game codenamed "J" has also been axed, while "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review. The departure of key developers working on these projects has contributed to these cancellations, with remaining team members being reassigned to other ongoing projects within NCSoft. The removal of projects "H" and "J" from the company's organizational chart further solidifies their termination.
As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement regarding this development. It remains to be seen whether other developers or publishers might pick up the remnants of "Project H" to continue its development.
Despite this setback, fans of the Horizon series can look forward to another multiplayer project. Guerilla Games, the studio behind the Horizon franchise, is actively developing what they call the "Online Project."
Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022
Guerilla Games confirmed their work on a Horizon online project via a Twitter (X) post on December 16, 2022. The studio is seeking developers to join their team in Amsterdam to work on "a separate Online Project set in Horizon’s universe," featuring "a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look."
A job listing for a Senior Combat Designer posted in November 2023 highlighted the need for someone to design "multiple machine enemies that provide a variety of challenges against multiple players." This suggests a focus on creating larger and more formidable machines for a multiplayer setting.
As of January 2025, Guerilla Games continues to recruit for this project, with a recent job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer indicating plans for a game that could support up to one million players globally. While no official announcement has been made, this project appears to be an internally developed Sony title.
Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft
On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft, aiming to combine NCSoft’s technological expertise with SIE’s global leadership in entertainment. 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."
This partnership hints at Sony's ambition to explore new avenues in online multiplayer gaming. Although the Horizon MMORPG may not materialize, this collaboration could lead to other Sony titles being adapted for mobile platforms in the future.
