Bandai Namco has announced the discontinuation of its highly anticipated MMORPG, Blue Protocol. The game is scheduled to cease operations in Japan on January 18, 2025. This announcement has absolutely shocked fans. Not only will the game be shutting down, but all plans for a global release have also been scrapped.
The game had already launched in Japan and was expected to make a global debut later this year. And despite its poor reception, fans were still hopeful that the global release could bring it back. But all hope is lost now.
Blue Protocol’s Troubled Journey is Finally Done
Blue Protocol first launched in Japan in June 2023, followed by versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in December of the same year. The game was praised for its anime-inspired visuals and immersive world. Bandai Namco had partnered with Amazon Games to bring the game to a worldwide audience, and the global release was initially set for 2024.
But now, Bandai’s recent announcement has left many players feeling betrayed. The reaction from the fanbase has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing their frustration and confusion. The partnership between Bandai Namco and Amazon Games had initially raised hopes for a successful international launch.
WAIT WHAT???!!? DUDE WHAT THE FUCK. You made me wait 3 years had me hyped as this was my most anticipated game , drop the Jp version and then say global is coming later and then cancel?? FUCK YOU banco
— 優木 せつ菜 🇯🇵 | Makeine SZN (@Nljigakulive) August 28, 2024
The challenges faced by Blue Protocol in its development and release were not limited to Japan. The game was plagued by issues related to censorship, particularly in the Western version, where key features such as “jiggle physics” and certain character body types were removed.
Blue Protocol will be discontinued on January 18th, 2025 in Japan and will no longer release worldwide
byu/Turbostrider27 inGames
The impact of Blue Protocol‘s cancellation is significant, not just for the fans but also for the developers at Bandai Namco and Amazon Games. Both companies had invested considerable resources into the game’s development and promotion, only to see it all come to an end prematurely.
Why Couldn’t The Game Succeed Despite The Immeasurable Height
The developers expressed their disappointment in the official statement, emphasizing their commitment to creating a game that would resonate with players worldwide. However, they ultimately had to accept that they could not meet the high expectations set by both themselves and the community.
What’s the main issue with BP? Why can’t they just release it already?
byu/2MuchOfARoyalPatriot inBlueProtocolPC
As Blue Protocol approaches its final days in Japan, players are left with a sense of what could have been. The game’s unique blend of anime aesthetics, action-packed combat, and a richly detailed world offered something special in the crowded MMORPG landscape.
The cancellation of Blue Protocol is just one in a series of recent setbacks for live-service games. While some games have found success, others have struggled to maintain player interest and meet the high expectations set by the gaming community.
For many, the cancellation of Blue Protocol serves as a reminder of the uncertainties that come with game development, where even the most promising projects aren’t guaranteed to succeed.
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