Square Enix Cancels Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link

Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, the mobile ARPG spin-off that was once positioned as an exciting new entry in the beloved franchise. The game, which had already faced multiple delays—including setbacks to its Android closed beta—will no longer move forward as development resources are now fully redirected toward Kingdom Hearts IV, the next major installment in the series.

Set during a previously unexplored chapter in the Kingdom Hearts timeline, Missing-Link aimed to offer players a fresh perspective on the saga’s intricate lore. Designed as a GPS-based augmented reality role-playing game, it promised unique gameplay mechanics that blended location tracking with traditional Kingdom Hearts combat. Players would have taken control of a keyblade-wielding protagonist, engaging in real-time battles against the iconic Heartless across various global locations.

One of the most anticipated features of Missing-Link was its integration of GPS technology, though its exact implementation remained somewhat ambiguous. While details were scarce, the idea was for players to explore real-world locations and uncover virtual content tied to those areas. However, this unconventional approach may have posed significant challenges during development, ultimately contributing to Square Enix's decision to pivot focus back to the core series.

Square Enix and Mobile Cancellations – A Growing Trend
This isn’t the first time Square Enix has pulled the plug on a mobile title, making such cancellations almost expected by now. Despite their reputation for creating deep, story-rich experiences, the studio has struggled to maintain consistent momentum in the mobile space—especially when attempting to adapt complex franchises into mobile formats.

While mobile gaming thrives in Japan, reaching a global audience with more niche or narrative-heavy titles can prove difficult. In the case of Kingdom Hearts, a globally recognized brand, the issue likely stemmed from internal challenges in balancing the ambitious GPS mechanic with the broader vision for the franchise.

With Kingdom Hearts IV now the sole spotlight, fans can look forward to a more traditional continuation of the series, free from the constraints and experimental nature of mobile development. In the meantime, if you're craving a rich RPG experience on your mobile device, check out our list of the top 25 best mobile RPGs available on iOS and Android today—offering everything from whimsical fantasy to dark, immersive storytelling.