NCSoft has some big projects in the works, including an upcoming collaboration effort with Sony Interactive Entertainment. Unfortunately due to continued shifts in the industry, NCSoft has had to make some cuts, resulting in layoffs and at least one publicly announced project being cancelled.
Project M, an ultra-realistic next generation game from NCSoft had been revealed with a tech preview trailer, primarily showcasing graphical detail, rather than anything too substantial. Unfortunately, this game will no longer see the light of day due to a “strategic realignment” at NCSoft.
Aside from Project M being scrapped, NCSoft will now focus on a handful of core subsidiaries, one of which is the newly formed company NC AI, which as you may have already guessed, is focused on AI research and development. The remaining three are all game studios focused on certain IP, like Throne and Liberty. One of these studios may also be in charge of that rumoured Horizon MMO in the works with Sony.
There is no word on how many employees at the South Korean based games company will be impacted by job cuts. Part of management's solution is a voluntary retirement program though, so they are hoping that at least some will be willing to leave.
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KitGuru Says: It is always unfortunate to see a promising looking game cancelled. However, we still knew very little about what Project M was supposed to be.