Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link!

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, a mobile game that many fans were eagerly anticipating. This news might come as a shock to some, but given Square Enix's history of game cancellations, it's perhaps not entirely unexpected.

The development of Missing-Link began in 2019, and the team conducted several closed beta tests on both Android and iOS platforms. In November 2024, they shared an update on X about the game's delay, which left participants of the closed beta tests surprised, as the project appeared to be well underway.

Why Did Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Get Cancelled?

The team at Square Enix explained that despite their efforts, they couldn't envision a way to deliver a product that would meet the long-term expectations of players. The game was intended to be a live-service experience, but it seems they struggled to meet their own standards for execution.

Missing-Link was designed as a unique, GPS-based spinoff, allowing players to explore the world and engage in battles against Heartless using their keyblades. It was set in a forgotten chapter of the Kingdom Hearts saga, and there was considerable interest in how the GPS functionality would enhance the gameplay experience.

Despite the franchise's global popularity, the concept of Missing-Link apparently didn't translate well into a practical, enjoyable game. Rather than releasing a product that didn't meet their quality standards, Square Enix decided to cancel the project and redirect their resources.

If you're curious about what Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was meant to be, you can watch the teaser trailer here:

But Kingdom Hearts IV Is Still Coming!

The good news for fans is that Square Enix's attention is now fully focused on Kingdom Hearts IV. After a period of silence, the company provided a brief update on the game, which was first revealed at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in 2022.

Development on Kingdom Hearts IV continues to progress, offering some consolation to those disappointed by the cancellation of Missing-Link. The main series remains a priority, and fans can look forward to more updates in the future.

That wraps up our coverage on the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. Stay tuned for our next article on Plug In Digital's digital version of the popular board game Abalone.