Summary
- Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a mobile GPS-based action RPG, has officially been cancelled.
- Square Enix cited concerns over providing a long-term service that meets player expectations.
- Development on Kingdom Hearts IV continues, with the team “hard at work” on the next mainline entry.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link project cancelled after delays
Square Enix has announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a mobile title first revealed in April 2022. Originally planned for a 2024 release after a limited Prototype Test in early 2023, the game was quietly delayed in late 2024, and has now been officially shelved.
The announcement was made via the game’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and included a full statement from the development team, apologizing to fans and citing the inability to offer “a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time” as the reason behind the decision.
What was Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link?
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link was a GPS-based action RPG in development for iOS and Android. It aimed to bring players into the world of Scala ad Caelum, one of the key locations in Kingdom Hearts lore, through a brand-new original story that tied into the wider franchise universe. It would have featured battles against Heartless in real-world locations, similar to the mechanics seen in Pokémon GO.
Despite running closed beta tests and generating excitement among fans, the development team ultimately decided the long-term sustainability of the game could not meet expectations. Square Enix expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the beta and supported the game during its development.
Kingdom Hearts IV development continues
Although Missing-Link will not see release, Square Enix reassured fans that the Kingdom Hearts franchise is far from over. The company confirmed that it is still actively working on Kingdom Hearts IV. First teased in 2022 with a cinematic trailer, the upcoming mainline sequel has had little news since then.
This statement marks the first substantial mention of KH4 in months. According to series creator Tetsuya Nomura, Kingdom Hearts IV could begin to push the long-running narrative toward its conclusion, signaling a major shift for the beloved RPG series that spans over 18 games and two decades.
Conclusion
While the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is disappointing, fans can take comfort in knowing that Kingdom Hearts IV is still in development. Square Enix’s decision to cut Missing-Link appears to be one of quality control and long-term vision, ensuring the series maintains its high standard moving forward. With KH4 in the works, the wait continues for what may be the most important chapter in the series yet.
