Bandai Namco has announced the cancellation of the global release of Blue Protocol, alongside the closure of its Japanese servers in 2025. This decision follows the game's underperformance and inability to meet player expectations. Read on for details.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Cancelled, Japanese Servers Shutting Down
Player Compensation and Final Updates
Bandai Namco's announcement confirms the termination of Blue Protocol's Japanese service on January 18, 2025. Consequently, the planned global launch in partnership with Amazon Games is also cancelled. The company cited its inability to deliver a consistently satisfactory service as the reason behind this decision.
In an official statement, Bandai Namco expressed regret, stating their inability to maintain a service meeting player expectations. They also acknowledged their disappointment in halting global development with Amazon Games.
Until the game's closure, Bandai Namco will continue providing updates and new content. Rose Orb purchases and refunds will cease, however, players will receive 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (starting September 2024) and 250 daily. Season Passes, beginning with Season 9, will be free. The final update, Chapter 7, is slated for December 18, 2024.
Launched in Japan in June 2023, Blue Protocol initially attracted over 200,000 concurrent players. However, launch day server issues and subsequent player dissatisfaction led to a rapid decline in player numbers.
Despite an encouraging start, Blue Protocol failed to retain its player base and fell short of Bandai Namco's financial projections. This underperformance, previously hinted at in their March 31, 2024 financial report, ultimately led to the decision to end service.
