Discover the latest on the canceled Horizon MMORPG project from NCSoft, and what's next for the Horizon universe!
NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Amid Feasibility Review
On January 13, 2025, NCSoft, a renowned South Korean game developer and publisher known for the Lineage and Guild Wars series, announced the cancellation of several projects, including a highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG. According to a report from the South Korean news site MTN, the decision came after a "feasibility review" that deemed the projects unviable.
In addition to the Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," NCSoft also axed projects codenamed "J." Meanwhile, "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review. The departure of developers working on "Project H" and the subsequent reassignment of remaining team members to other projects within NCSoft further solidified the cancellation. Both "H" and "J" have been removed from the company's organizational chart.
Despite the cancellation, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement. It remains uncertain whether another team might pick up the remnants of "Project H" and continue its development.
Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022
In other Horizon-related news, Guerrilla Games has been actively developing a multiplayer game set in the Horizon universe since 2022. Announced via a Twitter post on December 16, 2022, the studio is seeking developers to join their team in Amsterdam to work on this "Online Project." The game promises a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.
A job listing for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023 indicated the development of multiple machine enemies designed to challenge groups of players, hinting at a robust multiplayer experience. As of January 2025, Guerrilla Games continues to recruit, with a recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer seeking someone with experience in managing large-scale, globally distributed systems. This suggests an ambitious goal of accommodating up to one million players.
While no official announcement has been made about this upcoming game, it appears to be a separate project internally developed by Sony, distinct from NCSoft's canceled MMORPG.
Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft
On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft announced a "strategic global partnership." This collaboration aims to leverage NCSoft’s technological expertise and SIE’s global entertainment leadership to expand beyond console gaming and reach a broader audience.
Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, emphasized the shared vision between the two companies: "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."
Although the Horizon MMORPG may not see the light of day, this partnership could pave the way for other Sony titles to explore mobile platforms, showcasing the potential for future collaborations between the two companies.
