Recent developments in the gaming industry have cast a shadow over Sony and NCsoft's ambitious plans. Just days after Sony announced the cancellation of two live service projects, including one from Bluepoint Games and another from Bend Studio, rumors suggest that yet another multiplayer project might be on the chopping block. The Horizon Zero Dawn massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, developed in collaboration with NCsoft, appears to be at risk. Reports from South Korea indicate that NCsoft has halted development on several games following a feasibility review. This news raises questions about the future of the Horizon Zero Dawn MMO, especially given the company's recent struggles and leadership's urgent calls for turnaround by 2025.

The situation at NCsoft has been under scrutiny as multiple projects have reportedly ceased development. According to sources from Korea’s MTN, games overseen by CBO Lee Seong-gu, including "Pantera," "H," and "J," are among those affected. Speculation has long surrounded NCsoft's Project H, widely believed to be the Horizon Zero Dawn MMO. Previous job listings and reports have seemingly confirmed this connection. The decision to halt these projects comes at a critical time for NCsoft, which has faced financial challenges and operational difficulties. Co-chairman Kim Taek-jin emphasized the urgency of turning things around by 2025, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Moreover, it is essential to differentiate between NCsoft's MMO and another live service project related to Horizon Zero Dawn being developed by Guerilla Games. The latter, tentatively known as Horizon Online, features a more cartoonish art style and is aimed at a younger audience. It remains unclear whether this project will also face cancellation or continue as planned. The uncertainty surrounding these projects underscores Sony's broader reassessment of its live service strategy, particularly following the cancellation of other major titles.

The potential cancellation of the NCsoft-developed MMO could be part of a larger trend within Sony's strategic realignment. With the company already working on a separate live service game for Horizon Zero Dawn through Guerilla Games, it may be reconsidering its approach to live service titles. The decision to let go of the NCsoft project could reflect a shift towards focusing resources on projects that align more closely with Sony's long-term vision. Despite the uncertainties, the future of both projects remains to be seen, with only time revealing the full extent of Sony's plans in the live service space.