Discover the latest on the canceled Horizon MMORPG project, codenamed "H," and what's next for the franchise.
Horizon MMORPG Canceled by NCSoft
NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMORPG and Other Projects Amid Feasibility Review
On January 13, 2025, NCSoft, a leading South Korean developer known for the Lineage and Guild Wars series, announced the cancellation of several projects, including the highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG. According to a report by MTN, a South Korean news site, the decision came after a thorough "feasibility review." Alongside the Horizon project, codenamed "H," other projects like "J" were also axed, while "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage" remains under review.
The report also highlighted that several developers involved with the Horizon MMORPG have left NCSoft. Those who remained are being reassigned to other ongoing projects within the company. The removal of projects "H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart further solidifies their cancellation.
As of now, neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued an official statement regarding this development. It remains uncertain whether another publisher or development team will pick up where "Project H" left off.
Despite this setback, fans of the Horizon series can look forward to another multiplayer project in development by Guerilla Games.
Guerrilla Games Developing Horizon "Online Project" Since 2022
Guerilla Games announced their interest in expanding the Horizon universe with an online project via a Twitter(X) post on December 16, 2022. They are actively seeking developers to join their team in Amsterdam to work on this "Online Project," which promises a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.
In November 2023, a job listing for a Senior Combat Designer hinted at the development of larger and more challenging machine enemies designed for multiplayer encounters. Fast forward to January 2025, and Guerilla Games continues to recruit, with a recent job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer indicating plans for a game that could support over one million players globally.
While an official announcement is pending, this project appears to be internally developed by Sony, offering a new hope for Horizon fans.
Sony Announced its Partnership with NCSoft
On November 28, 2023, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) formalized a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft, aiming to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and SIE's global entertainment leadership. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, emphasized the partnership's goal to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles and deliver high-quality entertainment experiences to a broader audience.
This collaboration could pave the way for other Sony titles to explore mobile platforms, even if the Horizon MMORPG does not come to fruition.
