Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link is officially cancelled. Square Enix has terminated development on the mobile game, announcing the decision today. While the news may seem surprising, it’s not the company’s first cancellation, leaving many fans unsurprised.
The project had been in development since 2019 and underwent multiple closed beta tests for Android and iOS. In November 2024, the team announced a delay via X. Participants in the beta tests were particularly surprised, as the game had appeared to be in an advanced state.
Why Was Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link Cancelled?
The development team stated that, despite their efforts, they could not envision a long-term path that would meet player expectations. The goal was to create a live-service experience, but they were ultimately unable to execute the concept successfully.
Missing-Link was designed as a unique, GPS-based spin-off allowing players to explore the real world and battle Heartless with keyblades. It was set during an unexplored period of the Kingdom Hearts narrative, generating significant interest in how the location-based gameplay would function.
While Kingdom Hearts is a globally beloved franchise, the practical execution of this specific concept proved challenging. Square Enix decided to cancel the project rather than release a subpar experience, opting to reallocate its resources.
If you missed the game’s initial preview, you can see it in the video below.
Kingdom Hearts IV Development Continues
The team’s focus has now shifted entirely to Kingdom Hearts IV. After a prolonged period of silence, Square Enix provided a minor update on the title, which was initially revealed during the franchise's 20th-anniversary event in 2022.
Development on Kingdom Hearts IV is reportedly progressing. For fans disappointed by Missing-Link's cancellation, the continued work on the main series offers a positive outlook.
That concludes the news regarding the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. For more updates, be sure to read our next report on Plug In Digital's upcoming digital version of the popular board game Abalone.
