In a recent and somewhat expected move, Square Enix has officially cancelled *Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link*. The mobile title, which had been in development since 2019, was abruptly pulled from further production with little fanfare. While the cancellation may come as a surprise to some fans, it’s far from shocking for those familiar with Square Enix’s recent track record of shelving projects.
The game had progressed through multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms, generating moderate interest among fans of the franchise. However, in late November 2024, the team behind the project announced delays via their official X account—leaving many players confused and concerned given how far along the development appeared to be.
Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?
According to Square Enix, the decision came down to long-term viability. Despite years of development, the team reportedly couldn’t find a sustainable path forward that would meet player expectations over time. Originally envisioned as a live-service experience, the project failed to align with the company's evolving standards and goals.
*Missing-Link* was designed as a unique GPS-based entry into the *Kingdom Hearts* universe. It aimed to blend real-world exploration with in-game battles against Heartless using keyblades—all while telling a story set during an unexplored chapter of the series’ lore. Although the concept intrigued many, the execution reportedly proved problematic, especially regarding the integration of its location-based mechanics.
Rather than release a compromised product, Square Enix chose to cancel the game entirely. This decision reflects a broader trend within the industry: studios opting to pull underperforming titles rather than risk damaging brand reputation with subpar releases.
But There's Good News for Series Fans
While *Missing-Link* is no longer in development, fans can take comfort in knowing that *Kingdom Hearts IV* remains in active production. Square Enix confirmed this after a lengthy period of silence following the game’s reveal at the 20th Anniversary event in 2022.
With renewed focus now placed squarely on the next mainline installment, hopes remain high that the upcoming title will deliver the depth, storytelling, and gameplay innovation that fans have come to expect from the beloved franchise.
Stay tuned for more updates, including our coverage of Plug In Digital’s digital adaptation of the popular board game *Abalone*.
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