Square Enix has announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the anticipated GPS-based action-RPG for mobile devices. The game, which was set to take players to the realm of Scala ad Caelum and feature a new, original story in the ongoing battle against the Heartless, had been scheduled for a 2024 release. However, in a heartfelt statement posted on the game's X/Twitter account, Square Enix expressed their apologies to fans eagerly awaiting the game, citing challenges in delivering a service that would satisfy players over the long term. The statement did not provide specific details on the difficulties encountered.

"We wish to convey our heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been looking forward to the start of service," the statement read. "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."

Square Enix also took the opportunity to thank those who participated in the multiple closed beta tests and expressed their regret over the cancellation.

Despite this setback, there is a silver lining for fans of the series. Square Enix confirmed that the "Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and they are "hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4." They encouraged fans to keep supporting the series and stay tuned for further updates. This is the first official mention of the much-anticipated sequel in months, following a tiny, cryptic tease for Kingdom Hearts 4 back in January. Although revealed in September 2022 with a full cinematic trailer, the developer has remained largely silent since, leaving fans, in true series fashion, pining for more.

Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will mark a significant shift in the narrative, aiming to steer the series towards its conclusion after 22 years and 18 games.