"Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link!"

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a mobile game that many fans were eagerly anticipating. The news, while surprising to some, didn't shock everyone, given Square Enix's history of game cancellations. Development on Missing-Link began in 2019, and the game underwent several closed beta tests on Android and iOS. A delay was announced in November 2024, which left participants of the closed beta tests somewhat puzzled, especially since the project appeared to be well into its development phase.

Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?

The development team cited an inability to envision a sustainable path forward that would meet player expectations in the long term. Missing-Link was designed to be a live-service game, but the team faced challenges in executing this vision effectively. The game was intended to be a unique GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the real world while battling Heartless with their keyblades, set during a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga. Despite the franchise's global popularity, 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 meant to be, you can view the teaser trailer here:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

Despite the cancellation of Missing-Link, fans can take solace in the fact that Kingdom Hearts IV remains in active development. Square Enix provided a small update on the project, which was first revealed in 2022 during the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event. The main series is still going strong, and while the loss of Missing-Link is disappointing, the future of the Kingdom Hearts franchise looks promising.

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