The allure of live-service games, with their potential for sustained revenue through microtransactions, has drawn numerous game developers and publishers, including industry giant PlayStation. This model, popularized by titles like Fortnite, promises a continuous stream of content and engagement, keeping players invested and spending. However, the path to live-service success is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the high number of cancelled projects and underperforming releases. PlayStation’s recent strategic shift towards live-service games has encountered several roadblocks, with multiple projects failing to materialize. The cancellation of a Horizon MMO, developed in partnership with NCSoft, underscores the difficulties inherent in translating established single-player franchises into the live-service format.
The story of the cancelled Horizon MMO begins with PlayStation’s ambitious push into the live-service arena. Inspired by the phenomenal success of games like Fortnite, which generates billions in revenue through its microtransaction-based model, PlayStation sought to replicate this success with its own popular franchises. This led to the commissioning of several live-service projects, including a Horizon MMO, aiming to capitalize on the established fanbase and rich lore of the Horizon series. The project was entrusted to NCSoft, a South Korean developer renowned for its expertise in massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), including titles like Throne and Liberty. The collaboration seemed promising, with Sony envisioning the Horizon MMO as a key component of its strategy to expand beyond console platforms and reach a wider audience.
The partnership between Sony and NCSoft for the Horizon MMO was formalized in late 2023, mirroring a similar arrangement with ShiftUp for the development of Stellar Blade. The project, codenamed “H,” reportedly commenced in 2021, with over a hundred developers actively involved by 2023. Utilizing the powerful Unreal Engine 5, the MMO was targeted for release on both PC and mobile platforms, further emphasizing Sony’s ambition to broaden its reach beyond traditional console gaming. Former Sony president Jim Ryan touted the partnership as a crucial step in expanding the PlayStation brand’s accessibility and audience.
Despite the initial promise and substantial investment, the Horizon MMO project ultimately met its demise. Reports from Korean media outlets indicate the cancellation of several NCSoft projects, including the Horizon MMO, alongside other titles codenamed “Pantera” and “J.” This news comes amidst reports of financial struggles within NCSoft, with 2025 being described as a crucial year for the company’s future. The cancellation also highlights the challenges faced by developers in adapting established single-player franchises to the demanding live-service model. This is not an isolated incident, as several other high-profile live-service games have either been cancelled or underperformed upon release, demonstrating the inherent risks associated with this increasingly popular genre.
The fate of the Horizon MMO serves as a cautionary tale in the volatile landscape of live-service game development. While the potential rewards are significant, the challenges are equally substantial. Translating a successful single-player franchise into a compelling and sustainable live-service experience requires careful consideration of the core gameplay mechanics, lore, and player expectations. The pressure to deliver a constantly evolving stream of content, coupled with the need to implement a balanced and engaging microtransaction system, can often prove overwhelming, leading to project cancellations and disappointed players. The Horizon MMO’s cancellation underscores the importance of meticulous planning, robust development, and a deep understanding of the target audience for long-term success in the live-service market.
It is crucial to note that the cancelled Horizon MMO developed by NCSoft is distinct from the separate live-service Horizon game currently under development at Guerrilla Games. This suggests that despite the setback with the MMO, PlayStation remains committed to exploring the live-service potential of the Horizon franchise. The ongoing development of the Guerrilla Games project indicates that Sony is learning from past experiences and adapting its approach to live-service development. The future of the Horizon franchise in the live-service space remains uncertain, but the lessons learned from the cancelled MMO will likely inform future endeavors, potentially leading to a more successful and sustainable live-service Horizon experience. The broader trend of live-service game development continues to evolve, with both successes and failures shaping the landscape. The Horizon MMO’s cancellation serves as a valuable case study for developers and publishers navigating this challenging but potentially lucrative market.
