NPIXEL has announced the closure of Gran Saga, marking the end of its brief international journey. The game's services will officially terminate on April 30th, 2025, and in-app purchases (IAPs) along with new downloads have already been disabled.
Initially launched in Japan in 2021 to much acclaim, Gran Saga's global version debuted in November 2024 but only managed to last six months before the decision to shut down was made. The primary reason for this closure appears to be financial instability and the challenge of sustaining a viable service. Despite an impressive start in Japan, Gran Saga struggled to establish a strong presence in the intensely competitive global market.
The mobile gaming genre is saturated with established titles that have loyal player bases, making it extremely challenging for newcomers to gain traction without offering something revolutionary. Although Gran Saga had early success in Japan, it failed to replicate this momentum on the international stage, resulting in its premature closure.
This closure is part of a larger trend of gacha RPGs facing shutdowns. Just last month, I reported on the closure of My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero, and it's not an isolated case. Several other games have also succumbed to the pressures of an oversaturated market. With so many gaming options available, players tend to stick with familiar titles, making it difficult for new or niche games to survive in the long run.
For players who made recent purchases and are interested in refunds, you have until May 30th to submit a request. Please note, however, that refunds may not be possible if you've already used your purchases or if other store policies apply.
For those who enjoyed exploring Ethprozen, this farewell is undoubtedly tough, but it's a scenario that's becoming increasingly common in the mobile gaming industry.
If you're seeking a new game to fill the void left by Gran Saga, check out our list of the best MMOs to play on Android for some excellent alternatives!