NPIXEL has officially announced the closure of Gran Saga, marking the end of its brief international journey. The service will cease on April 30th, 2025, and in-app purchases (IAPs) along with downloads have already been disabled.
Initially launched in Japan in 2021 to great acclaim, Gran Saga's global version only debuted in November 2024. Unfortunately, it managed to last just six months before the decision to shut down was made.
The closure appears to stem from financial instability and the inability to sustain the service. Despite an impressive start, Gran Saga struggled to establish itself in the fiercely competitive global market. The genre is dominated by well-established games with loyal followings, making it challenging for newcomers to gain traction without offering something revolutionary. Although Gran Saga enjoyed early success in Japan, this momentum did not translate internationally, resulting in its premature closure.
This development is part of an ongoing trend of gacha RPGs shutting down. Last month, I discussed the closure of My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero, and it's not the only example. Numerous other games have also succumbed to the pressures of an oversaturated market. With so many options available, players tend to stick with familiar titles, making it difficult for new or niche games to survive long-term.
For those who have made recent purchases and are seeking a refund, you have until May 30th to submit your request. Please note that refunds may not be possible if you've already used the items purchased or due to other store policies.
If you were among the players who spent time in Ethprozen, this farewell is undoubtedly tough, but it's becoming increasingly common in the mobile gaming scene.
For those looking for alternatives, you can explore our list of the best MMOs to play on Android right now!
