NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO

NCSoft's Cancellation of Horizon MMORPG Project "H"

News broke on January 13, 2025, via South Korean news outlet MTN, that NCSoft had canceled several projects, including a Horizon MMORPG internally codenamed "H." This decision followed a company-wide "feasibility review." NCSoft, a major South Korean developer known for the Lineage and Guild Wars franchises, cited this review as the reason for halting development. Along with "H," another project codenamed "J" was also reportedly canceled, while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under evaluation.

The MTN report further indicated that key developers working on "Project H" had departed NCSoft. Remaining team members were reportedly reassigned to other company projects. The removal of "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart serves as additional confirmation of their cancellation.

While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements regarding this report, the future of "Project H" remains uncertain. The possibility of another developer or publisher picking up the project remains open.

Guerrilla Games' Ongoing Horizon Online Project

The news of NCSoft's cancellation contrasts with the continued development of a separate Horizon online project by Guerrilla Games. This project, announced on December 16, 2022, via a Twitter (X) post, is described as featuring "a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look."

Job listings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023, highlight the ongoing development. The description emphasized the creation of challenging machine enemies designed for multiple players, suggesting a significant multiplayer component. A more recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer in January 2025, specifying experience with "1M+ globally distributed systems," indicates Guerrilla Games anticipates a player base of at least one million.

Sony and NCSoft's Partnership

The November 28, 2023 announcement of a strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft adds another layer of complexity. While the Horizon MMORPG may not materialize, this collaboration could open doors for other Sony titles to reach mobile platforms. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, stated that the partnership aims to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles.

The future of Horizon in the online multiplayer space remains dynamic, with Guerrilla Games actively pursuing their vision while the fate of NCSoft's contribution remains unresolved.