Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link!

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a mobile game that had been in development since 2019. The news, while perhaps not entirely unexpected given Square Enix's history of game cancellations, still came as a surprise to many fans. The project underwent multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms, and as recently as November 2024, the team shared an update on X about the game's delay, leaving participants hopeful yet concerned.

Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?

The development team cited an inability to chart a course that would meet long-term player expectations as the primary reason for the cancellation. Missing-Link was envisioned as a live-service game with a unique GPS-based feature, allowing players to explore the world and combat Heartless using their keyblades within a previously untold chapter of the Kingdom Hearts universe. Despite the franchise's global appeal, the concept proved challenging to execute effectively. Square Enix decided against releasing a subpar product and instead chose to redirect their efforts.

For those curious about what Missing-Link was meant to be, here's a glimpse:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

On a brighter note, Square Enix is now fully focused on Kingdom Hearts IV. Announced at the 2022 Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event, the game is still in active development. Fans disappointed by the cancellation of Missing-Link can find solace in knowing that the main series continues to progress.

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