The mobile GPS-based action-RPG, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, has been officially cancelled by Square Enix. This game was set to transport players to the realm of Scala ad Caelum, featuring an original story centered around the ongoing battle against the Heartless. Initially planned for a 2024 release, the project has been shelved, much to the disappointment of eager fans.
In an unsigned statement shared via the game's X/Twitter account, Square Enix expressed their "heartfelt apologies to everyone who have been looking forward" to Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link. The decision to cancel was based on the realization that it would be "difficult [...] to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time." The statement did not provide specifics on the challenges encountered during development.
"We wish to convey our heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been looking forward to the start of service," the statement read. "Although we worked hard on developing and adjusting the game in the hope that it would be enjoyed by lots of players, we determined that it would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time, leading us to the decision to cancel development."
Square Enix extended their gratitude to those who supported and participated in the multiple closed beta tests, acknowledging the community's role in the game's development process. "We are truly sorry to have to make this announcement," they added.
Despite the cancellation, there's a silver lining for fans of the series. Square Enix confirmed that the "Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and they are diligently working on Kingdom Hearts 4. They encouraged fans to keep an eye out for further updates and continue supporting the series.
This mention of Kingdom Hearts 4 marks the first official update since a tiny, cryptic tease back in January. Despite being unveiled in September 2022 with a full cinematic trailer, Square Enix has remained largely silent on the project, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will, after 22 years and 18 games, begin to steer the narrative towards its conclusion.
