The gaming world is buzzing after reports suggest that Sony has quietly shelved its highly-anticipated Horizon Zero Dawn MMORPG, developed in collaboration with NCsoft. This comes amid a broader shake-up in Sony’s live-service strategy, with multiple projects recently facing the axe. Live-service games make up a significant portion of the gaming market, generating $3.2 billion globally in 2023 alone. The cancellation of such a promising project raises critical questions about the future of Sony’s live-service ambitions.

Why Was the Horizon MMORPG Cancelled?

Reports from Korea’s MTN suggest that NCsoft, the developer behind the proposed Horizon Zero Dawn MMO (codenamed Project H), has been halting several projects following internal feasibility reviews. Alongside other games like “Pantera,” Project H is now believed to be among those scrapped.

This decision coincides with troubling remarks from NCsoft’s co-chairman Kim Taek-jin: “Let’s create a 2025 where we work to the bone with the idea that if we don’t turn around in 2025, there will be no future for NC again.”

The financial strain on NCsoft likely played a pivotal role in the game’s termination.

Sony’s Role in the Horizon MMO Shutdown

Sony’s recent pattern of live-service project cancellations raises the possibility that this move wasn’t just NCsoft’s decision. Within a week, Sony also axed a God of War multiplayer project by Bluepoint Games and another unnamed project by Bend Studio.

Sony appears to be re-evaluating its commitment to live-service games, likely driven by the underwhelming performance of some recent titles. Additionally, the company already has Horizon Online in development, a co-op live-service game from Guerrilla Games. While distinct from the MMO, this project may have influenced Sony’s willingness to part ways with NCsoft.

What This Means for the Horizon Franchise

The cancellation doesn’t spell the end for Horizon in the live-service space. Horizon Online is reportedly targeting a younger audience with more accessible graphics and gameplay. However, its success remains uncertain amid growing skepticism surrounding live-service models.

For fans, this raises questions about how Sony and Guerrilla Games plan to balance quality storytelling, a hallmark of the Horizon series, with the demands of multiplayer and live-service gaming.