Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link has officially been cancelled by Square Enix, marking another in a series of game cancellations from the company. The announcement, while surprising to some, was not entirely unexpected given Square Enix's history.
The development team had been diligently working on the project since 2019, conducting multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. The last update came in November 2024 via a post on X, which mentioned a delay, leaving participants of the closed beta tests somewhat bewildered given the apparent depth of development.
Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?
The cancellation stems from the team's inability to envision a sustainable path forward that would meet player expectations in the long term. The game was designed as a live-service experience, but the team faced challenges in executing this vision effectively.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was set to be an innovative, GPS-based spinoff where players could explore the world and engage in battles against Heartless using their keyblades. It was positioned within a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga, sparking interest in how the GPS mechanics would integrate into gameplay.
Despite the franchise's global popularity, the concept of Missing-Link did not translate well into a functional game. Square Enix decided to cancel the project rather than release a product that did not meet their standards, choosing instead to redirect their efforts.
For those curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was intended to be, here's a teaser trailer:
But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!
On a brighter note, Square Enix's focus has now shifted entirely to Kingdom Hearts IV. After years without significant updates, the company provided a small progress report following the game's reveal at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022.
Development on Kingdom Hearts IV continues to progress, offering fans a silver lining amidst the disappointment of Missing-Link's cancellation. The main series remains a priority, promising more adventures in the beloved universe.
That wraps up the news on the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. Stay tuned for more updates, including our next feature on Plug In Digital's digital version of the popular board game, Abalone.
