NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
NCSoft's plans for a Horizon MMORPG, internally codenamed "H," have been cancelled, according to a January 13, 2025 report by South Korean news outlet MTN. The cancellation follows a company-wide feasibility review and the departure of key developers from the project. Other projects, including one codenamed "J," also faced cancellation, while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under review. The report indicates that remaining team members have been reassigned to other NCSoft projects, and "H" and "J" have been removed from the company's organizational structure.
While neither Sony nor NCSoft have officially commented, the news raises questions about the future of the Horizon MMORPG concept. It remains uncertain whether another developer will acquire the intellectual property and continue development.
A Separate Horizon Online Game Still in Development
This news contrasts with the ongoing development of a separate Horizon online project by Guerrilla Games, confirmed in a December 2022 Twitter (X) announcement. The studio has actively sought developers for this "Online Project," emphasizing a new cast of characters and unique visual style. Job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023, hint at a focus on challenging, multi-player combat encounters with novel machine enemies.
A recent January 2025 job posting for a Senior Platform Engineer further suggests a large-scale online experience, targeting over one million players. This ambitious scale and Guerrilla Games' continued recruitment strongly suggest this project is a significant undertaking, potentially independent of the cancelled NCSoft effort.
Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership
The November 28, 2023 announcement of a strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft adds another layer of complexity. While the cancelled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this collaboration could pave the way for future Sony titles to reach mobile platforms.
Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, highlighted the partnership's potential to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles. The collaboration's long-term impact on the gaming landscape remains to be seen, but it suggests a broader strategic shift for both companies.
