Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a decision that, while surprising to some, was not entirely unexpected given the company's history of game cancellations. The development team had been diligently working on this mobile game since 2019, conducting multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. The latest update came in November 2024 via a post on X, where the team announced a delay, leaving participants of the closed beta tests somewhat surprised given the project's advanced stage of development.

Why Did Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Get Cancelled?

The team cited an inability to envision a sustainable path forward that would meet player expectations in the long term as the primary reason for the cancellation. Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was designed to be a live-service game, but the developers faced challenges in executing this vision effectively. The game was intended to be a unique, GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the world and engage in battles against Heartless using their keyblades, set within a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga. Despite the global popularity of the franchise, the innovative concept did not translate well into a practical gaming experience. Square Enix decided to cancel the project rather than release a substandard product, choosing instead to redirect their focus.

If you're curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was supposed to be, you can take a look at the teaser trailer below:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

On a brighter note, Square Enix is now fully concentrating on Kingdom Hearts IV. After a period of silence, the company provided a small update on the game, which was first revealed at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022. Development on Kingdom Hearts IV is progressing, offering fans a silver lining amidst the disappointment of Missing-Link's cancellation.

That concludes our coverage on the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. Stay tuned for our next news update on Plug In Digital's digital version of the popular board game Abalone.