News broke recently that an upcoming Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," has been canceled by NCSoft following the departure of key developers. Let's delve into the details.
NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects
South Korean news outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft canceled several projects, including the anticipated Horizon MMORPG. This decision comes as part of a company-wide "feasibility review." Besides "Project H," another project codenamed "J" was also reportedly axed, while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under evaluation. NCSoft, a major player in the MMORPG market known for franchises like Lineage and Guild Wars, is undergoing a significant restructuring.
MTN further reported that developers directly involved with "Project H" have left NCSoft. Remaining team members are reportedly being reassigned to other company projects. The removal of "Projects H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart serves as further confirmation of their cancellation. While this news is concerning for fans anticipating a new Horizon MMORPG, no official statement has been released by either Sony or NCSoft. The possibility of another developer picking up the project remains uncertain.
However, there's still hope for Horizon fans on the multiplayer front.
Guerrilla Games' Horizon "Online Project" Remains in Development
Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the main Horizon series, confirmed its work on a separate online project within the Horizon universe in a December 16, 2022, Twitter (X) post. This project promises a fresh take, featuring "a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look." Job listings, such as a November 2023 posting for a Senior Combat Designer, hinted at the development of challenging new machines designed for multiplayer combat.
Fast forward to January 2025, and Guerrilla Games continues actively recruiting for this unnamed multiplayer title. A recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer suggests an anticipated player base of over one million, further emphasizing the scale of this project. While details remain scarce, this ongoing development indicates that a multiplayer Horizon experience is still on the horizon (pun intended). This project is likely a Sony internal development, rather than a collaboration with NCSoft.
Sony and NCSoft's Partnership: Implications for the Future
On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a strategic global partnership with NCSoft. While the canceled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this partnership could open doors for future collaborations, potentially bringing other Sony titles to mobile platforms. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, highlighted the partnership's potential to expand PlayStation's reach to a wider audience.
