NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
NCSoft's ambitious Horizon MMORPG, internally known as "Project H," has been canceled, according to a January 13, 2025 report from South Korean news outlet MTN. The cancellation follows a company-wide "feasibility review" that also resulted in the termination of other unannounced projects (codenamed "J"). The report further states that key developers assigned to "Project H" have left NCSoft, with remaining team members reassigned to other projects. The removal of "Project H" and "J" from NCSoft's organizational chart solidifies the cancellation.
While NCSoft and Sony have yet to officially comment, the news raises questions about the future of the Horizon IP in the MMORPG space. The possibility of another developer picking up the project remains uncertain.
Guerrilla Games' Separate Horizon Online Project Remains Active
Despite the NCSoft cancellation, Guerrilla Games continues development on its own Horizon online project, announced in December 2022. This separate initiative, internally referred to as the "Online Project," is confirmed to feature a new cast of characters and a unique visual style. Recent job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer (November 2023) and a Senior Platform Engineer (January 2025), indicate a focus on large-scale multiplayer combat and a projected player base exceeding one million. These listings suggest a significant investment in this project, which is likely a Sony-led initiative, distinct from the now-canceled NCSoft MMORPG.
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 to the situation. While "Project H" is no more, this collaboration opens doors for future collaborations, potentially bringing other Sony titles to mobile platforms. This partnership highlights Sony's ambition to expand its reach beyond consoles and into new gaming markets.
