Sony has scaled back its ambitious plans for live service games, reducing its target from 12 to just 6 projects due to rising costs and risks.

Despite canceling the Last of Us online game by Naughty Dog, Sony is moving forward with the development of a live service project set in the Horizon universe.

Industry insider Jason Schreier has reported that this new multiplayer title is called Horizon Online and is being co-developed with NCSoft.

NCSoft, known for its successful MMORPGs like Lineage II, brings significant expertise to the project, which is expected to enhance its chances of success.

Schreier noted that Horizon Online is currently prioritized over a potential third single-player game in the franchise, although its release may still be some time away.

The multiplayer game is anticipated to launch simultaneously on both PS5 and PC, broadening its accessibility to players.

So far, Sony has released three live service games: Helldivers 2, MLB The Show 24, and the less successful shooter Concord.

In contrast, NCSoft has a proven track record in the live games sector, with its top franchises generating an impressive $13.5 billion in lifetime revenue.