Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a mobile game that many fans were eagerly anticipating. This news, though disappointing, didn't come as a complete shock to the community, given Square Enix's history of game cancellations. The development team had been diligently working on the project since 2019, conducting multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS. The game's delay was hinted at in a November 2024 post on X, leaving participants of the closed beta tests surprised as the project seemed well underway.
Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?
The decision to cancel Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link stemmed from the team's realization that they couldn't deliver a long-term satisfying experience for players. The game was designed as a live-service, but the execution fell short of expectations. Missing-Link aimed to be an innovative GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the world and combat Heartless with their keyblades, set in a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga. Despite the global popularity of the franchise, the unique concept didn't translate well into a practical gameplay experience. Square Enix opted to cancel rather than release a substandard product, choosing to redirect their focus.
For those curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was meant to be, you can still take a look at the teaser trailer below:
But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!
While Missing-Link may be no more, fans can take solace in the continued development of Kingdom Hearts IV. Square Enix has shifted their full attention to this main series entry, which was first revealed at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022. After years of silence, the team provided a small update, reassuring fans that the project is moving forward. So, while the cancellation of Missing-Link is a setback, the future of the Kingdom Hearts series remains bright.
Stay tuned for more gaming news, including updates on Plug In Digital’s digital version of the popular board game Abalone.
