Horizon MMO Canceled by NCSoft

NCSoft's Cancellation of Horizon MMORPG "Project H"

News broke on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft, a leading South Korean game developer, cancelled several projects, including a highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG codenamed "H." This decision follows a company-wide "feasibility review," resulting in the termination of multiple games. Along with "Project H," another project, codenamed "J," was also scrapped. "Project Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under review.

The cancellation of "Project H" is further substantiated by reports that key developers involved in the project have left NCSoft. Remaining team members are reportedly being reassigned to other company projects. The removal of "Project H" and "Project J" from NCSoft's organizational chart solidifies their cancellation.

While neither Sony nor NCSoft have issued official statements, the future of "Project H" remains uncertain. The possibility of another developer or publisher picking up the project remains open.

Guerrilla Games' Separate Horizon Online Project

Despite the NCSoft cancellation, Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the Horizon franchise, is actively developing a separate online Horizon game, referred to as the "Online Project."

Initially announced on December 16, 2022, via a Twitter (X) post, this project promises a unique experience with new characters and a distinct visual style. Job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023, highlight the development of new, challenging machines designed for multiplayer combat.

A recent January 2025 job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer reveals Guerrilla Games' ambitious scale, anticipating a player base exceeding one million. This suggests a significant online component, potentially developed internally by Sony rather than through the NCSoft partnership.

Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership

The strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft, announced November 28, 2023, aims to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles. While the Horizon MMORPG collaboration didn't materialize, this partnership may pave the way for future Sony titles on mobile platforms.