Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, their much-anticipated mobile game. While the news may come as a surprise to some, it's worth noting that this isn't the first time Square Enix has pulled the plug on a project. The team behind Missing-Link had been diligently working on the game since 2019, conducting multiple closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. However, following a delay announcement on X in November 2024, the writing seemed to be on the wall for many who had been closely following the game's development.

Why Did Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Get Cancelled?

The decision to cancel Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link stemmed from the team's inability to chart a course that would meet player expectations in the long term. The game was designed to be a live-service experience, but the developers found themselves unable to deliver it as envisioned. Missing-Link was intended to be a unique GPS-based spin-off, allowing players to explore the world while battling Heartless with their keyblades. Set in a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga, the game sparked curiosity about its innovative GPS features. Despite the franchise's global popularity, the concept simply didn't translate well in practice. Square Enix opted to cancel the project rather than release a subpar product, choosing instead to redirect their focus.

For those who are curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link could have been, you can take a look at the teaser trailer below:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

Despite the cancellation of Missing-Link, fans can take solace in the fact that Kingdom Hearts IV is still in active development. First revealed at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022, the main series continues to move forward. After years of silence, Square Enix recently provided a small update, reaffirming their commitment to the next installment in the beloved franchise. So, while the cancellation of Missing-Link is disappointing, the future of Kingdom Hearts remains bright with Kingdom Hearts IV on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more updates and our next news piece on Plug In Digital’s digital version of the popular board game Abalone.