Fans of the Kingdom Hearts series were recently hit with disappointing news: Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the much-anticipated GPS-based action-RPG designed for mobile devices, has been officially canceled. This game was set to transport players to the mystical realm of Scala ad Caelum and weave a new, original story into the ongoing battle against the Heartless, with a planned release in 2024.
Square Enix announced the cancellation through an unsigned statement on the game's X/Twitter account. The company expressed deep regret to fans eagerly awaiting the game, stating, "We wish to convey our heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been looking forward to the start of service." The reason provided for the cancellation was the difficulty in ensuring a service that would satisfy players over an extended period. However, the statement did not delve into the specific challenges faced during development.
Despite this setback, there's a silver lining for Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts. Square Enix confirmed that they are "hard at work" on Kingdom Hearts 4, signaling that the beloved series is far from over. This is the first official update on the sequel since a tiny, cryptic tease back in January, following its initial reveal with a cinematic trailer in September 2022. The developer has been notably silent since, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details, which is typical for the series.
Tetsuya Nomura, the director of the Kingdom Hearts series, has hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will mark a significant shift in the narrative, aiming to bring the saga towards its conclusion after 22 years and 18 games. This news has reignited excitement among fans, who are encouraged to keep an eye out for further updates on the series.