While Sony recently made the tough decision to cancel Naughty Dog’s planned *The Last of Us* online game, their ambition for live service titles remains strong. One project that has survived the cuts is a highly anticipated online game set within the world of *Horizon*, Guerrilla Games’ critically acclaimed franchise.
This *Horizon* live service game, which has been rumored for some time, is reportedly under development with a team of dedicated developers and the help of MMORPG specialists NCSoft. NCSoft, known for their long-running success with titles like *Lineage II* (which has been active for 21 years!), brings a wealth of experience in live service games and MMORPG management. Their track record speaks for itself: their top five franchises, including *Lineage*, *Guild Wars*, *Blade & Soul*, and *AION*, have collectively generated an impressive $13.5 billion in lifetime revenue. This expertise makes NCSoft a valuable partner for Sony, who are looking to establish a strong presence in the competitive live service landscape.
Sony originally aimed to have 12 live service games on the market by the end of FY25, but has since adjusted their strategy. While the number of live service projects has been reduced to six, *Horizon Online* remains firmly on the development roadmap. Sony’s live service ambitions aren’t entirely new; they have already released three games in this space, including the successful *Helldivers 2*, *MLB The Show 24*, and the less fortunate *Concord*. With *Horizon Online*, Sony is aiming to expand their live service offerings with a co-op experience that will be available on both PS5 and PC.
Details surrounding the game’s specific features and gameplay are scarce, but the collaboration with NCSoft suggests a focus on a robust and engaging online experience. The release date remains a mystery, but given the ongoing development and NCSoft’s involvement, it’s likely to be a while before we see *Horizon Online* enter the live service arena. It’s certainly a game that fans of the *Horizon* universe are eagerly anticipating, as it promises to offer a fresh and exciting way to experience the post-apocalyptic world of Aloy and her adventures.
