Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a decision that might not come as a shock to many given the company's history of game cancellations. The project, which began development in 2019, had undergone several closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. The most recent update on the game's delay was shared via X in November 2024, leaving participants of the closed beta tests surprised as the game appeared to be well into development.

Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?

The development team cited an inability to envision a path forward that would meet long-term player satisfaction as the primary reason for the cancellation. The game was intended to be a live-service experience but fell short of execution expectations. Missing-Link was designed as a unique GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the real world while battling Heartless with their keyblades, set within a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga. Despite the global popularity of the franchise, the innovative GPS concept didn't translate effectively in practice. Square Enix opted to cancel the project rather than release an underwhelming product, choosing instead to redirect their focus.

If you're curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was supposed to offer, you can still catch a glimpse here:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

Despite the disappointment of Missing-Link's cancellation, fans can take solace in the fact that Kingdom Hearts IV is still in active development. Announced at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022, the latest update confirms that progress continues on this highly anticipated title. While Missing-Link may have been shelved, the main series remains robust and on track.

Stay tuned for more gaming news, including updates on Plug In Digital's digital version of the popular board game Abalone.