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 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"). A third project, "Pantera" or "Raising Lineage," remains under review. The MTN report further states that key developers assigned to "Project H" have departed NCSoft, with remaining team members reassigned to other projects. The removal of "H" and "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 picking up the project's assets is currently unknown.
Separate Horizon Online Project in Development
This news contrasts with the ongoing development of a separate Horizon online project by Guerrilla Games. Announced on December 16, 2022, via a Twitter (X) post, this "Online Project" is described as featuring a new cast of characters and a unique visual style.
A November 2023 job posting for a Senior Combat Designer hinted at the inclusion of challenging new machines designed for multiplayer combat. Further reinforcing the scale of this online project, a recent job listing for a Senior Platform Engineer reveals Guerrilla Games anticipates a player base exceeding one million. While details remain scarce, this suggests a significant online experience is in the works, potentially developed solely by Sony.
Sony and NCSoft Strategic Partnership
The November 28, 2023 announcement of a strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft adds another layer of complexity. This collaboration aims to leverage NCSoft's technological expertise and Sony's global reach in the entertainment industry. While the cancelled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this partnership opens doors for potential future collaborations and the expansion of Sony's IPs into new platforms.
