NCSoft Cancels Horizon MMO

NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"

News outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft canceled several projects, including a Horizon MMORPG codenamed "H," following a company-wide feasibility review. This decision comes after key developers departed NCSoft. The cancellation of "Project H," along with another project codenamed "J," was further confirmed by its removal from NCSoft's organizational chart. "Project Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under review.

The South Korean gaming giant, known for the Lineage and Guild Wars franchises, has yet to officially comment on the MTN report, leaving the future of "Project H" uncertain. Whether another developer will acquire the project's assets remains unknown.

Separate Horizon Online Game in Development

Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues development on a separate, unannounced Horizon multiplayer game, internally referred to as the "Online Project." This project, first hinted at in a December 2022 Twitter(X) post, is actively recruiting developers. Job listings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer (November 2023) and a Senior Platform Engineer (January 2025), suggest a large-scale game targeting over one million players. The listings highlight the development of new, challenging machines designed for multiplayer combat.

Sony's Partnership with NCSoft

The cancellation of "Project H" comes amidst Sony Interactive Entertainment's (SIE) newly announced strategic partnership with NCSoft (November 28, 2023). While this collaboration aims to expand PlayStation's reach, the future of any potential Horizon MMORPG remains unclear. The partnership may lead to other Sony titles appearing on mobile platforms.