Summary
Square Enix has canceledKingdom Hearts Missing-Link. The mobile RPG was first announced in 2022 with a planned release in 2024, but things quickly went off track. The game faced several setbacks, including canceled beta tests and indefinite delays, and despite the developer’s efforts,Kingdom Hearts Missing-Linkhas reached an unfortunate end.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Linkwas designed as amobile role-playing gamewith GPS-based mechanics, similar toPokemon GO. It was supposed to encourage players to visit real-world locations to advance the story. According to the official website,Missing-Linkwas going to be the first location-based entry in the series, letting players take on the role of a Keyblade wielder. The game also aimed to fill in gaps in the series' lore by exploring the “blank era” between Union X and Dark Road, an often overlooked period in the mainline titles.
Unfortunately, after multiple delays,Kingdom Hearts Missing-Linkhas been shelved for good. In explaining its decision to halt production, Square Enix cited concerns about the team’s ability to provide a satisfactory long-term service. This likely hints at potential issues with the game’s live-service aspects, such as costs or technical difficulties. What’s clear is that the development team is moving on, leaving behind what was once ananticipated RPG game.
Fans Aren’t Happy About Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link’s Cancellation
TheKingdom Heartssubreddit has seen a surge of activity following the cancellation news. Many fans voiced frustration and disappointment, with some hoping that the developer would at least preserve elements ofMissing-Link’s story for future titles. While the game wasn’t among thebiggest Square Enix projects, fans acknowledged its potential to introduce fresh ideas to the franchise. Others supported the decision, noting that canceling a game is preferable to launching one that doesn’t meet expectations. However, much of the community finds it “unbelievable” that a major studio like Square Enix was unable to manage the development of a mobile game.
Square Enix’s announcement did offer somereassuring news aboutKingdom Hearts 4. According to the development team, the cancellation ofMissing-Linkhas no impact on the upcoming mainline title, and production on that game is moving forward as planned. Some fans speculated that shelving the mobile project might speed up development on the fourth installment, though that seems unlikely given the relatively small size of theMissing-Linkteam. Still, May 14 will go down as a disappointing day forKingdom Heartsfans, many of whom had hoped the mobile game would bring something fresh to the series.
