Horizon MMO Canceled by NCSoft

News broke recently that an upcoming Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H," has been canceled by NCSoft following the departure of key development staff. Let's delve into the details.

NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects

According to a January 13, 2025 report by South Korean news outlet MTN, NCSoft—the renowned developer and publisher behind franchises like Lineage and Guild Wars—canceled several projects, including the anticipated Horizon MMORPG. The cancellations stem from an internal "feasibility review." Besides "Project H," a game codenamed "J" was also reportedly axed, while "Project Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under review.

MTN's report further indicates that the developers directly involved with "Project H" left NCSoft. Remaining team members have reportedly been 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 neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement regarding this report, the future of "Project H" remains uncertain. It's unclear whether another publisher or development team will pick up the project.

However, the news isn't entirely bleak for Horizon fans. Guerrilla Games is actively developing a separate Horizon multiplayer game.

Guerrilla Games' Horizon "Online Project" Remains on Track

Guerrilla Games publicly confirmed their work on an online Horizon project ("Online Project") in a December 16, 2022, Twitter (X) post. They've been actively recruiting developers to join their Amsterdam team, promising a unique experience with "a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look."

A November 2023 job listing for a Senior Combat Designer hinted at the scale of the project, seeking an individual to design "multiple machine enemies that provide a variety of challenges against multiple players," suggesting encounters designed for groups.

Further solidifying the multiplayer focus, a recent job posting (January 2025) for a Senior Platform Engineer reveals Guerrilla Games anticipates "1M+ globally distributed systems," hinting at a player base exceeding one million. While details remain scarce, this project appears to be a Sony internal development, separate from the now-canceled NCSoft effort.

Sony and NCSoft's Partnership: Implications for the Future

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a strategic global partnership with NCSoft on November 28, 2023, aiming to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and SIE's global reach. While the canceled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this partnership could pave the way for future collaborations, potentially bringing other Sony titles to mobile platforms.