NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
News broke on January 13, 2025, via South Korean news outlet MTN, that NCSoft has canceled several projects, including a highly anticipated Horizon MMORPG, codenamed "H." This decision follows a company-wide "feasibility review." NCSoft, known for its Lineage and Guild Wars franchises, cited this review as the reason for halting development. The cancellation of "Project H" is further substantiated by the departure of key developers and the removal of "H" (and another project, codenamed "J") from the company's organizational chart. While "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under evaluation, the fate of "Project H" appears sealed, at least for now. No official statement has been released by NCSoft or Sony.
The Future of Horizon Multiplayer Remains Bright
Despite the setback with NCSoft, the Horizon franchise's foray into the online multiplayer realm isn't entirely dead. Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the main Horizon series, has been actively developing a separate online project since 2022, as confirmed via a Twitter (X) announcement. This "Online Project" is distinct, featuring a new cast and art style. Recent job postings, including one for a Senior Combat Designer in November 2023 and another for a Senior Platform Engineer in January 2025, reveal details about the game's scope. The latter posting suggests an anticipated player base of over one million, hinting at a large-scale online experience.
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 this story. While "Project H" is no more, this collaboration could open doors for other Sony franchises to explore mobile platforms, leveraging NCSoft's technological expertise. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SIE, highlighted the partnership's potential to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles.
The cancellation of "Project H" is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, but the ongoing development of Guerrilla Games' online project offers a glimmer of hope for future Horizon multiplayer experiences. The Sony-NCSoft partnership may also yield exciting developments in the future.
