Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link!

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated mobile game, Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. This news, while surprising to some, wasn't entirely unexpected given Square Enix's history of game cancellations. The project, which began development in 2019, had already undergone several closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. The most recent update came in November 2024 via a post on X, signaling a delay. Participants in these closed beta tests were left puzzled, as the game appeared to be in an advanced stage of development.

Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?

The development team cited an inability to envision a long-term satisfying path for the game as the primary reason for its cancellation. Originally conceived as a live-service experience, the team struggled to meet their expectations. Missing-Link aimed to be a unique, GPS-based spinoff within the Kingdom Hearts universe, allowing players to explore the world and engage in battles against Heartless using their keyblades. Set in an untold chapter of the saga, the game sparked curiosity, especially regarding its innovative GPS features. Despite the global popularity of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, the concept proved challenging to implement effectively. Square Enix decided it was better to cancel the project rather than release a substandard product, choosing instead to redirect their efforts.

For those who are curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was meant to be, you can view the teaser trailer below:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

While Missing-Link may be gone, fans can take solace in knowing that Kingdom Hearts IV remains in active development. Initially announced at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022, Square Enix has recently provided updates on the progress of this highly anticipated title. Even though the cancellation of Missing-Link might be disappointing, the continuation of the main series offers a silver lining for the Kingdom Hearts community.

That concludes our coverage on the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. Stay tuned for our next update on Plug In Digital’s digital version of the popular board game, Abalone.