Blue Protocol to shut down, much-anticipated worldwide release canceled

Over before it began.

Image via Bandai Namco

Blue Protocol, the upcoming MMORPG from Amazon Games and Bandai Namco, has suddenly been canceled, with the Japanese version discontinuing in early 2025.

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The shock cancellation news dropped suddenly from Bandai’s Japanese website, announcing that the Japanese version of Blue Protocol is set to shut its doors on Jan. 18. 2025. It’s been active for less than a year after launching in December 2023.

https://twitter.com/BLUEPROTOCOL/status/1828631742011314454

“We regret to inform you the Japanese version of Blue Protocol will be discontinued on Saturday January 18, 2025.” Bandai said in its cancellation announcement through its website. “As a result, we have also canceled our plans to release a Western version of the game in collaboration with Amazon Games. We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Amazon Games throughout the development of Blue Protocol, and both of our teams are disappointed that we will not be able to deliver the game to players around the world.”

In the August statement, Bandai acknowledged great anticipation from the worldwide audience for Blue Protocol but said it felt the overall game wouldn’t be able to “provide a service that satisfies” its players. Bandai went on to apologize for the sudden news.

With the discontinuation, the Western version—which has been delayed for some time—will never see the light of day. It effectively cancels a game never given a chance to shine outside of Japan and puts another Amazon Games title out of service.

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Adam Newell
Assigning Editor. In 2015, Adam graduated from the University of Aberystwyth with a bachelor's in Media and Communications. Working in the industry for over ten years. If it has anything to do with Nintendo and Pokémon chances are you will see me talking about it, covering, and likely not sleeping while playing it.