Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a decision that, while surprising to some, aligns with the company's history of game cancellations. The mobile game, in development since 2019, had undergone multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. The latest update on the game's status came in November 2024 via a post on X, indicating a delay. Participants in the closed beta tests were particularly taken aback, given the project's advanced stage of development.

Why Did Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Get 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 as a live-service game, but the team struggled to execute this vision effectively. The game was intended to be a unique, GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the world and engage in battles against Heartless using their keyblades. It was set in a previously unexplored chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga, and there was significant interest in how the GPS mechanics would function in practice.

Despite the global popularity of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, the concept of Missing-Link did not translate well into a viable product. Square Enix decided to cancel the project rather than release a substandard game, choosing instead to redirect their efforts.

For those curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was meant to be, you can view a teaser trailer below:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

In the wake of Missing-Link's cancellation, Square Enix is now fully focused on Kingdom Hearts IV. The game was first revealed at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022, and recent updates confirm that development is progressing. Fans disappointed by the cancellation of Missing-Link can take solace in the continued development of the main series.

That concludes 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.