Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed its entry into the massively multiplayer online gaming space with a new title set in the popular Horizon universe, partnering with South Korean developer NCSoft to create Horizon Steel Frontiers. The game, described as a full-fledged MMORPG tailored specifically for mobile devices, promises players an immersive experience battling colossal mechanical beasts in a post-apocalyptic world. Details emerged from a leaked promotional video ahead of a potential official announcement at the G-Star 2025 gaming event in Seoul, South Korea, later this evening.
According to footage obtained by The Verge, Horizon Steel Frontiers will allow players to step into the role of machine hunters navigating the treacherous Deathlands, a region inspired by the arid landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico. The video, which runs over 10 minutes and blends cinematic sequences with pre-alpha gameplay, showcases players teaming up or competing against one another to take down the series' signature robotic creatures amid lush natural terrains and towering metal structures reminiscent of previous Horizon titles.
Jan-Bart van Beek, studio director at PlayStation's Guerrilla Games—the studio behind the original Horizon series—provided insights in the video. "Horizon Steel Frontiers is a full-fledged MMORPG that NCSoft has built specifically for mobile," van Beek said. He elaborated on the game's accessibility, noting, "With Steel Frontiers, you can step into this world anywhere, anytime. Players take on the role of machine hunters, chasing opportunity in a region called the Deathlands. This is inspired by Arizona and New Mexico. You’re sharing the frontier with thousands of other players, sometimes working together to take down machines and other times competing with rival tribes or fighting over resources, and that mix of cooperation and competition creates moments that you could never script."
The partnership between Sony and NCSoft marks a significant expansion for the Horizon franchise, which first gained acclaim with the 2017 release of Horizon Zero Dawn on PlayStation 4. That game, developed by Guerrilla Games, sold over 20 million copies worldwide and introduced players to a world overrun by animal-like machines in a tribal society. Its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, launched in 2022 and expanded the narrative, earning critical praise for its storytelling and visuals. A third mainline entry is reportedly in development, but Steel Frontiers represents Sony's first foray into the MMO genre for the IP.
Sung-Gu Lee, executive producer on the project, emphasized the game's core appeal during the video interview. "The core concept of Horizon Steel Frontiers can be summed up in one phrase: the thrill of taking down colossal machines," Lee stated. He highlighted how the MMORPG format builds on the single-player roots of the series, saying, "Hunting massive machines was one of the greatest appeals of the original Horizon series. And now, we’re expanding that experience into the world of MMORPGs." Lee also teased innovative combat mechanics, including the ability to scavenge weapons dropped by defeated beasts and transport them via mounts for use in future encounters.
The video also highlights the game’s character customization features — in Steel Frontiers, instead of playing as Aloy, who has been the series protagonist so far, you’ll be able to make your own character.
Unlike previous Horizon games, where players control the red-haired outcast Aloy, Steel Frontiers shifts to player-created characters, allowing for deeper personalization in appearance, skills, and tribal affiliations. This change aims to foster a sense of community in the multiplayer environment, where players can form alliances or rivalries across the shared frontier.
The leak originated from promotional art posted prematurely on a website used for distributing game assets to media and influencers, as reported by The Verge. The site included a publicly accessible Google Drive link containing the full video. According to the materials, Horizon Steel Frontiers will launch on PC, iOS, and Android platforms, underscoring its mobile-first design while extending to desktop for broader accessibility. No pricing details were mentioned, but the emphasis on mobile suggests a free-to-play model with in-app purchases, common in NCSoft's portfolio of titles like Lineage and Blade & Soul.
NCSoft, a veteran in the MMO space with a history dating back to the 1990s, brings substantial expertise to the collaboration. The company's Seoul-based studios have produced some of the most enduring online games in Asia and beyond, often blending rich lore with competitive social dynamics. Sony's involvement ensures fidelity to the Horizon canon, with Guerrilla Games providing creative oversight. Representatives from Sony and a PR firm for NCSoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Verge, leaving official confirmation pending the G-Star event.
G-Star 2025, held annually at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul, is one of Asia's premier gaming expos, attracting developers, publishers, and fans from around the world. Past events have featured major reveals from companies like Nintendo and Microsoft, and this year's lineup includes showcases from Korean giants such as Nexon and Krafton. If announced there, Horizon Steel Frontiers could generate significant buzz, especially given the growing global interest in mobile MMORPGs, a market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2025 according to industry analysts.
The Horizon series has already transcended gaming with adaptations in other media. A live-action TV series is in development at Netflix, announced in 2022, while Guerrilla Games continues to expand the lore through comics and novels. Steel Frontiers could further this multimedia ecosystem by introducing persistent online worlds where fan-created stories unfold in real time, potentially bridging solo adventures with communal narratives.
While the video provides a glimpse into pre-alpha stages, no firm release date has been set. Lee expressed optimism, stating the team is "working to make the game available as soon as possible." Given the complexities of MMO development—balancing server stability, monetization, and cross-platform play—industry observers anticipate a launch window sometime in 2026 or later, though Sony has not commented on timelines.
This development comes amid Sony's broader push into live-service and multiplayer titles following the success of games like Helldivers 2 earlier this year. The company has invested heavily in online experiences, acquiring studios like Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion to bolster its expertise in ongoing worlds. For NCSoft, partnering with Sony opens doors to Western audiences, complementing its strong Asian base.
Player reactions online have been mixed but enthusiastic, with fans on social media platforms expressing excitement over the multiplayer twist while some express concerns about deviating from Aloy's story. "It's cool to see Horizon go MMO, but I hope they don't mess with the single-player magic," one Reddit user commented in early discussions sparked by the leak. Others praised the mobile focus, noting it could bring the franchise to millions who skipped consoles.
As the gaming industry evolves, Horizon Steel Frontiers positions Sony to capture the lucrative mobile market, where titles like Genshin Impact have proven the viability of open-world MMORPGs on smartphones. With its blend of cooperative beast hunts and competitive resource struggles, the game could redefine how players engage with the Horizon universe. Official details are expected soon from G-Star, potentially including trailers and beta sign-ups, marking an exciting chapter for fans of the post-apocalyptic saga.