NCSoft Scraps Horizon MMORPG "Project H"
News outlet MTN reported on January 13, 2025, that NCSoft cancelled several projects, including a Horizon MMORPG codenamed "H," following a company-wide feasibility review. This decision follows the departure of key developers from NCSoft. The company also reportedly cancelled another project, codenamed "J," while "Pantera" (or "Raising Lineage") remains under evaluation. Projects "H" and "J" have been removed from NCSoft's organizational chart.
NCSoft, known for its Lineage and Guild Wars franchises, hasn't officially commented on the MTN report. The future of "Project H" remains uncertain; whether another developer will acquire the assets and continue development is unknown.
Separate Horizon Online Project Underway
Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues development on a separate Horizon multiplayer game, internally referred to as the "Online Project." This project, announced on Twitter (X) in December 2022, will feature new 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), suggest a large-scale multiplayer experience targeting over one million players. The specifics remain unannounced.
Sony's Partnership with NCSoft
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced a strategic partnership with NCSoft on November 28, 2023, aiming to expand PlayStation's reach beyond consoles. While the cancelled Horizon MMORPG is a setback, this partnership could lead to future collaborations and potentially bring other Sony titles to mobile platforms.
