NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
NCSoft's ambitious Horizon MMORPG, internally codenamed "H," has been canceled, according to a January 13, 2025 report by 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 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 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.
A Separate Horizon Multiplayer Game Remains in Development
However, fans of the Horizon franchise can take solace in the continued development of a separate online multiplayer game by Guerrilla Games, referred to as the "Online Project." This project, confirmed in a December 2022 Twitter (X) post, is distinct from the canceled NCSoft title.
Guerrilla Games' commitment to the "Online Project" is evident in ongoing job postings. A November 2023 listing for a Senior Combat Designer highlighted the development of challenging, multi-player combat encounters against novel, powerful machines. A recent January 2025 posting for a Senior Platform Engineer revealed the ambitious scale of the project, aiming for a player base exceeding one million. This suggests a substantial, fully realized online experience.
Sony and NCSoft's Strategic Partnership
The recent strategic partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and NCSoft, announced November 28, 2023, adds another layer of complexity. While "Project H" is defunct, this collaboration opens doors for future collaborations and potentially expands the reach of Sony's IPs to new platforms.
Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, emphasized the shared vision of creating high-quality entertainment experiences. While a Horizon MMORPG from NCSoft is no longer in the cards, this partnership could lead to other exciting developments for Sony's game portfolio.
