However, it eventually realized, “It would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period, leading us to the decision to cancel development.”

The development team is “hard at work” on the next installment in the series, Kingdom Hearts 4. Announced in April 2022 along with Missing-Link, the sequel is developed on Unreal Engine 5. Further information like platforms, a release window, and so on remain unconfirmed.

Though the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may be surprising, Square Enix has a reputation for launching mobile titles and shutting down support soon after. These include Echoes of Mana, Bravely Default: Brilliant Lights, and Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier.

As for the future of its business, Square Enix recently announced a three-year reboot plan focusing on a new R&D division for AI-focused development tools. It also reemphasized its multiplatform approach and will continue cancelling projects that aren’t progressing at the desired rate. Head here for more details.

A new mobile Kingdom Hearts game has also been announced. Called Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, it will “embark on adventures from the realm of Scala ad Caelum into the real world”, feature “a new, original story”, and “let players engage in exhilarating battles against the Heartless”.

A full release date hasn’t been announced for the Android and iOS title, but Square Enix says a closed beta test is planned for sometime in 2022- a specific date hasn’t been announced for that yet either.

Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link’s announcement trailer offers a solid look at its combat and gameplay, including various enemies that players will be squaring off against, as well as a variety of different environments. Check it out below.