NCSoft Cancels Ambitious MMO Horizon

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. This follows a broader "feasibility review" by the company, resulting in the termination of several projects. The report also indicates that key developers working on "Project H" have departed NCSoft, with remaining team members reassigned to other projects. The cancellation is further supported by the removal of "Project H" (and another project, codenamed "J") from NCSoft's organizational chart.

While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements, the news raises questions about the future of the Horizon IP in the MMO space. The possibility of another developer picking up the project remains uncertain.

Guerrilla Games' Separate Horizon Online Project Remains Active

Despite the NCSoft cancellation, a separate Horizon online project is actively under development by Guerrilla Games. Initially announced on December 16, 2022, via a Twitter (X) post, this project promises a unique experience featuring new characters and a distinct visual style. Recent job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer (November 2023) and a Senior Platform Engineer (January 2025), highlight the game's ongoing development and ambitious scale. The latter posting suggests an anticipated player base of over one million, further emphasizing the project's scope.

The Future of Sony and NCSoft's Partnership

The recent strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft, announced November 28, 2023, aimed to leverage NCSoft's technology and SIE's global reach. While "Project H" is no longer in the picture, this collaboration could pave the way for future mobile adaptations of other Sony titles.

In summary, while the NCSoft Horizon MMORPG has been canceled, Guerrilla Games continues development on its own distinct Horizon online experience, suggesting that the Horizon franchise's future in the online multiplayer arena remains vibrant, albeit under different leadership. The implications of the Sony-NCSoft partnership for future projects remain to be seen.