NPIXEL has officially announced the closure of Gran Saga, marking the end of its brief international journey. The game's services will cease on April 30th, 2025, and in-app purchases (IAPs) along with downloads have already been disabled.
Gran Saga enjoyed a successful launch in Japan in 2021 but faced challenges when it expanded globally in November 2024. Unfortunately, it managed to survive only six months in the international market.
The decision to shut down appears to stem from financial difficulties and the inability to sustain a viable service. While the game made a strong first impression, it struggled to establish a foothold in a highly competitive global market dominated by well-established titles with loyal followings. New entrants in this genre need to offer something revolutionary to capture and retain players, and Gran Saga's initial success in Japan did not translate internationally, resulting in an early closure.
Gran Saga's shutdown is part of a broader trend of gacha RPGs closing down. Just last month, My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero also ceased operations, highlighting the challenges faced by new or niche games in an oversaturated market where players tend to stick with familiar options.
For players who have made recent purchases, refunds can be requested until May 30th. However, refunds may not be possible if the items have already been used or due to other store policies.
If you spent time in Ethprozen, this closure is a sad goodbye, but it's becoming an increasingly common occurrence in the mobile gaming landscape.
For those looking for alternatives, check out our list of the best MMOs to play on Android to find your next gaming adventure!