(Photo : Bandai Namco / Screenshot taken from official website)
Blue Protocol, the anime-like MMO, will shut down in Japan on Jan. 18, 2025, which also means that the game's worldwide release has been canceled.
The announcement was made on the game's Japanese site as well as the English site. The studios behind the MMO stated that Bandai Namco had a positive working relationship with Amazon Games through the localization process. They also expressed their apologies that Blue Protocol cannot be brought to a worldwide audience.
Blue Protocol is Shutting Down in Japan
Neither of the two companies gave specific reasons as to why the game was being shut down. However, it was noted that Blue Protocol has had weaker player counts and multiple delays during the development process.
Additionally, Bandai Namco's financial issues have also resulted in increased speculation that the game was not coming to the West as it was originally planned. The game was also left off of Amazon's release schedule with increasing regularity, according to MassivelyOP.
The statement that was posted on Bandai Namco's website read that they worked hard to prepare for the game's global release. However, the studio found that it was not possible to provide a service that satisfied the fans.
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Blue Protocol was co-developed by Bandai Namco and Bandai Namco Studios and its global release was announced during The Game Awards in 2022. At the time, Amazon Games said that the live-service game has been in development since 2015, said IGN.
Bandai Namco also said that the news was expected to come as disappointing to many fans of the game and that it shares players' disappointment. It said that they love the world and characters of Blue Protocol and were excited to bring worldwide fans into the mix.
Cancellation of the Worldwide Release
The studio said that it was deeply grateful to the passionate fans who followed the MMO's development and also participated in the game's Closed Technical Test that was previously held.
The Japanese company added that there had been great anticipation for Blue Protocol ever since it was first announced. It added that it wanted to deliver an experience that was like a stepping stone into the world of anime.
Bandai Namco said that it was challenging itself to create a world where each and every player was able to enjoy adventures as the main character of their very own anime. It also read, "We deeply apologize for the sudden announcement."
Previous reviews of the game noted that it was set to follow the likes of Lost Ark and New World from Amazon Games, according to Eurogamer.
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