Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link for KH4

Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the mobile location-based action RPG, has been officially canceled. However, it's not all disappointing news for Kingdom Hearts fans, as Square Enix confirmed the team remains "hard at work" on Kingdom Hearts 4.

Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link would have brought players to the world of Scala ad Caelum through an original narrative, unfolding a new chapter in the epic struggle against the Heartless on mobile platforms. The game was initially scheduled for a 2024 release.

In a statement posted via the game's official X/Twitter account, Square Enix extended "heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been anticipating the title." The developer canceled the project after determining it would be "challenging to provide a service that players would find satisfying in the long term." The statement did not specify the exact reasons behind this decision.

"We sincerely apologize to everyone who has been eagerly awaiting the launch," the statement continued. "Despite our dedicated efforts in development and fine-tuning to deliver an enjoyable experience for a wide audience, we concluded that maintaining a consistently satisfying service over an extended period would not be feasible, resulting in the cancellation.

"We extend our gratitude to all participants who supported and assisted during the multiple closed beta tests. We deeply regret having to deliver this news."

Toward the end of the statement, Square Enix reassured the community that the "Kingdom Hearts series will move forward," and indicated that "development on Kingdom Hearts 4 is progressing actively. We hope fans will continue supporting the series and stay tuned for future announcements."

This marks the first official reference to the highly anticipated sequel in several months, following a brief, cryptic teaser for Kingdom Hearts 4 back in January. Although the game was first unveiled in September 2022 with a full cinematic trailer, Square Enix has maintained relative silence since—continuing a series tradition of leaving the fanbase craving more information.

Series director Tetsuya Nomura has hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will, after more than two decades and numerous releases, begin guiding the overarching Kingdom Hearts story toward its conclusion.