Horizon MMO Axed by NCSoft

NCSoft has officially canceled development of its Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "Project H," following developer departures. Here's everything we know about this terminated project.

Horizon MMORPG Canceled by NCSoft

NCSoft Axes Horizon MMORPG and Other Titles Following Internal Review

South Korean news outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025 that NCSoft discontinued several in-development games, including the Horizon MMORPG. As a leading South Korean developer known for MMORPGs like Lineage and Guild Wars, NCSoft suspended these projects after conducting internal feasibility assessments.

The report indicates NCSoft terminated development of games codenamed "H" (the Horizon MMO) and "J," while keeping "Pantera" (also known as "Raising Lineage") under evaluation.

MTN also revealed that many developers working on the Horizon MMORPG left the company following the cancellation. Remaining staff were reportedly reassigned to other NCSoft projects. Organizational charts no longer list projects "H" and "J," confirming their cancellation.

Neither Sony nor NCSoft has issued official statements regarding this report. It remains uncertain whether another studio might revive the canceled Horizon MMO. Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues developing its own Horizon multiplayer project.

Horizon "Online Project" Being Developed by Guerrilla Games Since 2022

Guerrilla Games officially announced their Horizon multiplayer project via Twitter (now X) on December 16, 2022. The Amsterdam-based studio sought developers to join their team in creating "a separate Online Project set in Horizon's universe," featuring new characters and unique visual styling.

A November 2023 job posting for Senior Combat Designer hinted at multiplayer-focused machine enemies designed to challenge player groups. These mechanical foes would reportedly be larger and more dangerous than those in single-player Horizon games.

As of January 2025, Guerrilla continues recruiting for the unannounced Horizon multiplayer game. A recent Senior Platform Engineer listing suggests the studio anticipates supporting over one million concurrent players across global servers. While still unconfirmed, this project appears to be an internal Sony development rather than an NCSoft collaboration.

Sony and NCSoft Announced Strategic Partnership

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a "strategic global partnership" with NCSoft on November 28, 2023, combining NCSoft's technical expertise with Sony's entertainment leadership.

"This collaboration allows us to expand beyond consoles and reach wider audiences," said SIE President and CEO Jim Ryan. "NCSoft shares our commitment to creating high-quality gaming experiences, and we're excited to explore new possibilities together."

While the Horizon MMORPG won't materialize, Sony's partnership with NCSoft suggests potential mobile adaptations of PlayStation franchises in the future.