"Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link Mobile Game Cancelled; Square Enix Focuses on Kingdom Hearts 4"

The highly anticipated mobile GPS-based action-RPG, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, has been officially cancelled by Square Enix. The game was set to transport players to the mystical realm of Scala ad Caelum, featuring a fresh narrative in the ongoing saga against the Heartless. Originally planned for a 2024 release, the project has unfortunately been scrapped.

In an unsigned statement shared via the game's official X/Twitter account, Square Enix expressed their "heartfelt apologies" to fans eagerly awaiting the game's launch. The statement cited the difficulty in providing a service that would meet player expectations over an extended period as the primary reason for cancellation. However, the specifics of these challenges were not disclosed.

"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 participated in the multiple closed beta tests and apologized for the disappointing news. Despite this setback, the company reassured fans that the "Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and confirmed their dedication to the development of Kingdom Hearts 4. They encouraged fans to keep an eye out for future updates and to continue supporting the series.

This announcement marks the first mention of Kingdom Hearts 4 in months, the last being a cryptic tease back in January. Revealed in September 2022 with a cinematic trailer, Square Enix has since maintained a low profile, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will, after 22 years and 18 games, begin to steer the narrative towards its long-awaited conclusion.