The much-anticipated mobile game Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a GPS-based action-RPG, has been officially canceled by Square Enix. The game was set to transport players to the realm of Scala ad Caelum for an original story centered around the ongoing battle against the Heartless. Initially planned for a 2024 release, the project has been abandoned due to concerns about its long-term viability. In an unsigned statement shared on the game's X/Twitter account, Square Enix expressed deep regret to fans who were eagerly awaiting its launch, stating, "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."
The company extended its gratitude to those who participated in the multiple closed beta tests and apologized for the disappointing news. However, there's a silver lining for fans of the Kingdom Hearts series. Square Enix confirmed that the franchise is far from over, emphasizing their commitment to the future with a reassuring note: "The Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and teased that they are "hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4, and hope you'll continue to support the series as you keep an eye out for further updates."
This marks the first official update on Kingdom Hearts 4 in months, following a tiny, cryptic tease back in January. Since its dramatic reveal in September 2022, complete with a full cinematic trailer, Square Enix has maintained a low profile, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that after 22 years and a staggering 18 games, Kingdom Hearts 4 will start to steer the narrative towards its long-awaited conclusion.
