Introduction to Blue Protocol’s Cancellation
Bandai Namco has recently announced the discontinuation of the Japanese version of its much-anticipated live service anime MMO, Blue Protocol, effective January 18, 2025. In addition, following discussions with Amazon Games, the title’s release in Europe and the U.S. has also been cancelled. This news has upset many fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to immerse themselves in this anime-inspired world.
Challenges Faced by the Development Team
The management team behind Blue Protocol expressed their sentiments in a blog post, acknowledging the high expectations from fans since the game’s initial announcement. They outlined their vision of creating an anime-like adventure where each player could feel like the main character. Despite their best efforts to prepare for a satisfactory global release, they ultimately concluded that they could not provide a service that met all players’ expectations.
Fan Reactions and Financial Implications
Understandably, fans of the game are disappointed by this turn of events. The cancellation has particularly angered those who invested significant time and money into Blue Protocol. One player encapsulated this sentiment, saying, “You made me wait three years and had me hyped as this was my most anticipated game, drop the Japanese version and then say global is coming later, and then you cancel it??”
Future Roadmap and Compensation Plans
To address players’ concerns, the developers have shared a final roadmap detailing the remaining months before the game’s closure. Notably, players will not be able to receive refunds for the in-game currency, Rose Orbs. However, as a compensatory measure, Bandai Namco will distribute 5,000 Rose Orbs every month from September until January, allowing players to acquire cosmetics. Additionally, the upcoming battle pass will be made available for free.
Final Thoughts
The cancellation of Blue Protocol is a significant blow to its dedicated player base. While Bandai Namco’s efforts to mitigate the fallout with compensatory measures are appreciated, the disappointment remains palpable. Executive producer Sokichi Shimooka’s admission of having to divert resources to understand player drop-offs further highlights the challenges faced during the game’s development. Ultimately, the cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in creating and maintaining a successful MMO.
