Horizon Steel Frontiers, the upcoming MMORPG based on Sony’s Horizon franchise, is nearing completion, according to developer NC. The company confirmed during its November 11, 2026, third-quarter earnings conference call that development is progressing smoothly, while discussions with Sony over the game’s release schedule remain ongoing. NC expects to announce further details soon, although a definitive launch date has not been confirmed.
NC co-CEO Park Byung-moo provided the update after an analyst questioned the game’s absence from the company’s broader discussion of upcoming releases. Park explained that Horizon Steel Frontiers had reached an advanced stage of development and that NC was working with Sony, the owner of the Horizon intellectual property, to determine an appropriate launch window.
“The new Horizon IP game is nearing completion. We are continuously discussing the release timing with the IP holder, Sony, and plan to make an announcement soon,” Park said during the investor Q&A, as translated in the published earnings-call coverage.
The comments suggest that coordinating the release schedule is now a significant consideration for the project. However, NC did not provide a specific announcement date, confirm that development has finished, or indicate when players should expect the game to become available.
Horizon Steel Frontiers was officially unveiled at G-STAR 2025 in November 2025 as an MMORPG developed by NC in collaboration with Sony’s Guerrilla Games. Unlike the franchise’s established single-player adventures, the spin-off focuses on large-scale online multiplayer experiences while retaining Horizon’s distinctive setting and battles against mechanical creatures.
The game takes place in the Deadlands, a new region within the Horizon universe. Its gameplay combines machine-hunting combat with MMORPG systems, including character customization, cooperative encounters, and expanded combat options designed around multiplayer participation.
NC has announced Horizon Steel Frontiers for PC and mobile devices, with the PC version planned for its PURPLE platform. Cross-platform play is also part of the announced experience, allowing players on supported devices to participate in the same online world.
Although Horizon is closely associated with PlayStation, a PlayStation 5 version of Steel Frontiers has not been officially confirmed. Sony’s involvement as the franchise’s intellectual property holder should not be interpreted as confirmation of a console release.
The latest development update follows earlier indications that NC was targeting a 2027 release. In a May 2026 investor presentation, the company listed Horizon Steel Frontiers for the first half of 2027. However, that earlier planning window should not be treated as a finalized release commitment.
During a previous investor discussion in May 2026, Park also indicated that NC was considering global testing during the second half of the year. At the time, he identified coordination with Sony over marketing and release schedules as a major outstanding consideration rather than a fundamental development problem.
The November update reinforces that position, with NC now describing development as approaching completion while continuing discussions about launch timing.
NC’s latest financial guidance also provides an important distinction regarding the game’s commercial outlook. The company expects revenue of approximately 3.2 trillion to 3.4 trillion won in 2027, supported by several planned releases and growth in its existing businesses. However, management stated that potential additional revenue from Horizon Steel Frontiers was not included in those projections.
That means NC’s broader 2027 business forecast does not independently establish a release date for the Horizon MMORPG.
For players awaiting the next Horizon experience, the confirmed development progress is encouraging, but important launch details remain unresolved. NC has not announced a final release date, a confirmed testing schedule, or a specific timetable for its next reveal.
The next official announcement is expected to clarify the game’s release plans as NC and Sony continue coordinating its launch.
