New Horizon Utilizes AI Almost Everywhere

AI Transforms Horizon: Steel Frontiers Development and Gameplay

NCSOFT detailed its widespread integration of AI in the development of Horizon: Steel Frontiers at G-Star 2025. The development team explained that AI is not only enhancing enemy and NPC behavior but is also being used for artwork, coding, and refining game mechanics. NCSOFT believes AI is already a significant asset and will become even more crucial in future projects. This technology facilitates more realistic NPC interactions and combat, analyzes player data, and accelerates content creation. Horizon: Steel Frontiers is scheduled for release in late 2026 or early 2027, with public testing commencing next year. Highlighting AI's impact, the team stated, "We’re testing and getting helped out by basic NPCs and combat," emphasizing its role in refining gameplay. They added, "Since we’re an action RPG, we don’t mess around with loads of players, but instead figure out the perfect player count and get assisted in heaps of ways," noting AI's contribution to optimizing the player experience. Internally, AI is being used "for everything from coding to art," indicating its pervasive influence throughout the development process. "It’s really catching on; you’ll see more of it in games after Aion 2," the team concluded, suggesting a broader industry trend.

AI Revolutionizing NCSOFT's Future Game Development

These developments signal that AI is poised to play a transformative role in NCSOFT’s future game development.

In Case You Missed It

Exciting news ahead for gaming enthusiasts! Ahmed Hassan recently published a fascinating piece, "Horizon Series Sold 40 Million Units", revealing that the upcoming online action MMORPG, Horizon Steel Frontiers, is set to expand the beloved franchise beyond PlayStation. With over 40 million units sold worldwide, it's clear why Guerrilla Games is ready to take the Horizon experience to new heights Horizon Series Sold 40 Million Units. But here's a tidbit that might have slipped under your radar: Horizon Steel Frontiers was originally envisioned as a multiplayer experience by none other than Jan-Bart van Beek himself! Sophie Laurent delves into this exciting development in her article, "Horizon Series Was Always Conceived as Multiplayer" Horizon Series Was Always Conceived as Multiplayer. And the best part? Carlos Mendoza has reported that NCSOFT is open to exploring a potential PlayStation 5 release for Horizon Steel Frontiers, currently slated for iOS, Android, and PC in late 2026 or early 2027. So keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned for updates on 'Horizon Steel Frontiers May Arrive on PS5' Horizon Steel Frontiers May Arrive on PS5.