"Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link Canceled, Square Enix Focuses on Kingdom Hearts 4"

In a disappointing turn of events for fans, Square Enix has announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the eagerly awaited GPS-based action-RPG designed for mobile platforms. The game, which promised to transport players to the enchanting realm of Scala ad Caelum and engage them in a new, original story within the ongoing battle against the Heartless, was initially scheduled for a 2024 release.

The decision to cancel was communicated via an unsigned statement on the game's X/Twitter account. In it, Square Enix expressed its "heartfelt apologies to everyone who have been looking forward" to the game. The statement explained that the cancellation stemmed from the realization that it would be "difficult [...] to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time." Despite the team's efforts in development and adjustments aimed at creating an enjoyable experience for many players, the challenges they faced were not specified.

"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, emphasizing their regret over the cancellation. However, the statement concluded on a hopeful note, reassuring fans that "the Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and that the team is "hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4." They encouraged fans to keep supporting the series and to stay tuned for further updates.

This mention of Kingdom Hearts 4 marks the first official update on the highly-anticipated sequel in months, following a tiny, cryptic tease back in January. Despite its reveal in September 2022 accompanied by a full cinematic trailer, Square Enix has maintained a low profile, leaving fans yearning for more information, in keeping with the series' tradition of suspense. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that after 22 years and 18 games, Kingdom Hearts 4 will finally steer the narrative towards its much-anticipated conclusion.