As work on Kingdom Hearts 4 continues, Square Enix cancels Missing-Link: "It would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time"

Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer screenshot showing Strelitzia, a girl with lengthy ginger hair and w hite blouse
(Image credit: Square Enix)

Square Enix has officially pulled the plug on Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, its mobile game akin to Pokemon Go – but fans don't need to worry about Kingdom Hearts 4, as it's still in the works.

Revealing the cancellation of the GPS-based mobile game, the developers begin by apologizing to excited fans: "We wish to convey our heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been looking forward to the start of service."

According to the studio, as work on Missing-Link unfolded, the devs realized that the final product would potentially be unable to last in popularity over time, prompting them to rethink its future release entirely.

"Although we worked hard on developing and adjusting the game in the hope that it would be enjoyed by lots of players, we determined that it would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time, leading us to the decision to cancel development," explain the devs, going on to reference the now-canceled game's past beta tests – the last of which took place in 2024.

"We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to everyone who gave us their support and assistance with the multiple closed beta tests," states the studio. "We are truly sorry to have to make this announcement."

While it's certainly not great news for fans of the Kingdom Hearts series, the cancellation of Missing-Link doesn't spell the demise of any other future games – including the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts 4.

"The Kingdom Hearts series will continue," conclude the devs. "We are hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4, and hope you'll continue to support the series as you keep an eye out for further updates."

To get through the Kingdom Hearts 4 news drought, Square Enix is re-releasing a 10-game collection full of other already re-released collections

Anna Koselke
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

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