Horizon MMO Canceled by NCSoft

NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"

NCSoft's ambitious Horizon MMORPG, internally codenamed "H," has been canceled, according to a January 13, 2025 report by South Korean news outlet MTN. The cancellation follows a company-wide feasibility review, resulting in the termination of several projects. The report indicates that key developers assigned to "Project H" have departed NCSoft, with remaining team members reassigned to other projects. The removal of "Project H" and another canceled project, codenamed "J," from NCSoft's organizational chart further solidifies the cancellation. While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements, the news suggests a significant shift in NCSoft's development strategy.

A Separate Horizon Online Game Remains in Development

Despite the cancellation of the NCSoft project, Guerrilla Games continues development on a separate, unannounced Horizon multiplayer game, referred to as the "Online Project." This project, confirmed in a December 2022 Twitter (X) post, is being developed internally by Guerrilla Games in Amsterdam. Recent job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer (November 2023) and a Senior Platform Engineer (January 2025), reveal details about the game's scope. The Senior Platform Engineer posting specifically mentions the anticipation of over one million players, suggesting a large-scale online experience. The game is expected to feature new characters and a unique visual style.

Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership

The cancellation of "Project H" comes amidst a newly formed strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft, announced November 28, 2023. This partnership aims to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and SIE's global reach to expand into new gaming markets. While the Horizon MMORPG won't materialize through this collaboration, the partnership may lead to future opportunities for Sony titles on mobile platforms.

In summary, while the NCSoft Horizon MMORPG has been canceled, Guerrilla Games' independent "Online Project" continues to progress, promising a distinct Horizon multiplayer experience. The future implications of the Sony and NCSoft partnership remain to be seen.