Image Credit: Kingdom Hearts

If you’ve been following Kingdom Hearts news with even a fraction of the same energy I have, you probably remember the buzz around Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link. First teased back in 2022, it was supposed to be a GPS-based mobile action RPG that let players explore the Kingdom Hearts universe right from their phones. Think Pokémon GO with keyblades and Nobodies. Now? It’s officially been shelved, and while that stings a little, there’s a bigger picture we need to talk about.

What Was Missing-Link Supposed to Be?

From what Square Enix initially revealed, Missing-Link was designed as a bridge between the Union χ saga and the modern storyline of Kingdom Hearts IV. It featured 3D combat reminiscent of the mainline entries, fused with real-world exploration powered by GPS. Players would unlock lore, fight Heartless, and presumably uncover key pieces of the KH timeline puzzle, all while walking around their neighborhoods.

For mobile fans and lore junkies (like myself), this was a dream setup. It promised to go deeper into Scala ad Caelum, one of the more mysterious settings introduced in KH III, and offer bite-sized but canon content. Square even held a closed beta in Japan and the UK that got some positive feedback for its gameplay potential.

Why Did Square Enix Cancel It?

Here’s the rough part. According to Square Enix, after evaluating the project’s long-term viability, they concluded that Missing-Link just couldn’t deliver a sustainable gameplay experience. In other words, it wasn’t going to have the staying power of other live-service mobile titles like Genshin Impact or Fate/ Grand Order.

This move also fits into a broader strategy shift at Square Enix. They’ve publicly said they’re moving away from pushing out a high volume of games and instead focusing on fewer, more polished titles with strong long-term value. After some mixed results in recent years (looking at you, Babylon’s Fall), this is probably a smart play.

What’s Next for Kingdom Hearts?

The silver lining? Kingdom Hearts IV is still very much in development. Square Enix made a point to reassure fans that while Missing-Link is done, KH IV is alive and kicking. That’s great news, especially since that initial trailer back in 2022 hinted at a grittier, more grounded world for Sora and the gang, complete with realistic visuals, a new city called Quadratum, and some major story twists on the horizon.

Plus, given the franchise’s history, it’s entirely possible that some of the ideas or story elements from Missing-Link will show up elsewhere. Remember how Union χ got its own movie and story tie-ins later? Don’t count those data fragments out just yet.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m definitely bummed. Missing-Link had potential, not just as a mobile time-killer, but as a meaningful part of the Kingdom Hearts saga. But I’d rather see Square Enix make the tough calls now than launch a half-baked product that fizzles out in six months. If it means KH IV turns out even better, I’ll take the trade.

We’re clearly at a pivotal moment in the franchise’s evolution. With new platforms, new stories, and Square’s renewed focus on quality, this might just be the start of something even bigger.

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