Square Enix has officially halted development of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, their ambitious mobile GPS-based action-RPG, whilst simultaneously confirming active development continues on Kingdom Hearts 4. The announcement, made in May 2025, marks a significant shift in the company’s mobile gaming strategy whilst reinforcing their commitment to the franchise’s mainline series.
The cancelled mobile title, which underwent more than a year of closed beta testing, was originally conceived as a narrative bridge between Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts 4. Despite initial plans for a 2024 release, Square Enix cited insurmountable challenges in maintaining a satisfactory live-service experience as the primary reason for discontinuation.
In their formal statement, Square Enix expressed gratitude to beta testers whilst emphasising their unwavering dedication to the Kingdom Hearts franchise. The company’s focus remains steadfast on Kingdom Hearts 4’s development, though specific timeline implications following Missing-Link’s cancellation remain undefined.
The innovative GPS-based gameplay mechanics of Missing-Link represented an ambitious attempt to integrate real-world interaction with the series’ established action-RPG framework. This distinctive approach aimed to expand the franchise’s mobile presence, following previous successful handheld and console releases.
Since Kingdom Hearts III’s 2019 release, the franchise has experienced sustained fan anticipation for new content. The announcement of Kingdom Hearts 4 during the series’ 20th anniversary celebration in 2022 generated considerable excitement within the community, making Missing-Link’s cancellation particularly noteworthy.
Industry analysts suggest the decision reflects broader challenges within the mobile gaming sector, particularly regarding sustainable content creation for live-service games. The cancellation underscores the complex balance between maintaining player engagement and ensuring consistent quality in mobile gaming experiences.
The Kingdom Hearts series has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique fusion of Final Fantasy and Disney universes, coupled with compelling action-RPG gameplay. Whilst the mobile project’s discontinuation disappoints fans, Square Enix’s renewed focus on Kingdom Hearts 4 suggests a strategic prioritisation of mainline series development.
Looking ahead, Square Enix’s commitment to Kingdom Hearts 4 indicates their determination to deliver a comprehensive mainline experience that honours the franchise’s legacy. The development team continues to work diligently on crafting an experience that meets the high expectations established by previous entries in the series.
Source: IGN
