Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link Cancelled: Square Enix Reveals the Real Reason

Square Enix has cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link — the highly anticipated mobile RPG once expected to expand the beloved Kingdom Hearts universe.

Fans were shocked by the announcement.
The game, which had been in development for iOS and Android, went through multiple beta tests and teased a GPS-based adventure experience similar to Pokémon GO.
But now, the journey ends before it even begins.

Let’s break down what happened, why Square Enix made this decision, and what’s coming next for the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Square Enix Cancels Missing-Link: The Official Word

On May 13, 2025, Square Enix posted a public update confirming the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link.

The company admitted that after multiple closed beta tests and careful evaluation, they concluded the game would not meet player expectations in the long term.

Here’s a portion of their statement:

“While we explored various possibilities, we ultimately determined that it would be difficult to continue offering a service that satisfies players over time.”

They went on to thank the beta testers and the Kingdom Hearts community for their continued support.

The cancellation came as a surprise.
Especially because earlier this year, beta testing hinted at promising gameplay.
But clearly, something changed behind the scenes.

What Was Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link?

Missing-Link was introduced as a mobile action RPG with GPS-based exploration.
Set between the events of Kingdom Hearts Union χ and the mainline series, it promised to add lore and connectivity to the series' expanding timeline.

Players would have been able to explore the real world, fight enemies in augmented locations, and unlock story content.

The graphics looked impressive for a mobile title.
And fans were excited to dive into a Kingdom Hearts experience built for quick play on the go.

But despite early excitement, feedback from closed betas hinted at performance issues, repetitive gameplay, and unclear monetization strategies.

These may have contributed to the final decision.

Why Was the Game Cancelled?

Square Enix hasn't given every detail.
But industry analysts and fans have some clear guesses:

1. Lack of Long-Term Value
   Square Enix emphasized that the game wouldn’t hold up over time.
   That’s likely a reference to retention—something mobile games must master.
   If beta testers weren’t sticking around or engaging deeply, that’s a red flag.

2. Technical Challenges
   Beta testers reported lag, battery drain, and GPS inconsistencies.
   Creating a real-time, action-heavy game tied to real-world movement is tough—even for a giant like Square Enix.

3. Market Saturation
   The mobile market is flooded.
   Even strong IPs like Kingdom Hearts struggle unless the experience is flawless.
   In a post-Pokémon GO world, expectations for GPS games are sky-high.

What’s Next for Kingdom Hearts?

Here’s the good news: Square Enix isn’t done with Kingdom Hearts.
In fact, they confirmed that development for Kingdom Hearts IV is in full swing.

This gives fans something major to look forward to.

KH4 was first revealed in 2022 and teased a bold new direction—complete with a more realistic art style and new world designs.

With Missing-Link now cancelled, it’s possible that some of its ideas could be folded into KH4 or future spin-offs.

Square Enix also hinted that the Kingdom Hearts team is focused on delivering experiences that live up to the series' legacy—a clear nod to their commitment moving forward.

How Fans Are Reacting

The response has been mixed.

Many fans expressed disappointment.
After all, the idea of a mobile game that connects to the series’ deep lore was exciting.

Some were especially disheartened if they’d participated in the beta tests and felt invested in the game’s development.

However, others appreciated Square Enix’s honesty.

“Better to cancel than release something half-baked,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Focus on KH4. Make it great.”