Bandai Namco's Blue Protocol, slated for a global launch via Amazon Games, has been cancelled. The Japanese servers will also shut down in January 2025. This follows declining player numbers and the game's failure to meet expectations.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Cancelled, Japanese Servers Shutting Down
Player Compensation and Final Updates
Bandai Namco has announced the closure of Blue Protocol's Japanese servers on January 18, 2025. Consequently, the planned international release, a collaboration with Amazon Games, is cancelled. The company cited an inability to deliver a consistently satisfying player experience as the reason for the shutdown.
In an official statement, Bandai Namco expressed regret over the cancellation, stating their inability to maintain a service meeting player expectations. Disappointment at halting global development with Amazon Games was also noted.
Until the game's closure, Bandai Namco will continue providing updates and new content. Rose Orb purchases and refunds will cease, but players will receive 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (September 2024 – January 2025) plus 250 daily. The Season 9 pass will be free, and Chapter 7, the final update, launches December 18, 2024.
Launched in June 2023, Blue Protocol initially attracted over 200,000 concurrent players. However, server issues at launch and subsequent player dissatisfaction led to declining numbers.
Despite a promising start, the game failed to retain its player base and fell short of Bandai Namco's financial projections. This underperformance, previously mentioned in their March 31, 2024 financial report, ultimately led to the decision to end service.
