Bandai Namco's Blue Protocol, slated for a global launch, has been cancelled. The Japanese servers, which launched earlier this year, will also shut down in January 2025. This decision follows declining player numbers and unmet expectations.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Cancelled and 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, effectively cancelling the planned global release in partnership with Amazon Games. The company cited an inability to deliver a consistently satisfying player experience as the reason for this decision.
In a formal statement, Bandai Namco expressed regret, stating their inability to maintain a service meeting player expectations. They also acknowledged disappointment at halting global development with Amazon Games.
Until the January shutdown, Bandai Namco will continue to provide updates and new content. While Rose Orb purchases and refunds will cease, players will receive 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (starting September 2024) and 250 daily. The Season 9 pass will be free, and Chapter 7, the final update, is scheduled for December 18, 2024.
Launched in June 2023, Blue Protocol initially attracted over 200,000 concurrent players in Japan. However, early server issues and subsequent player dissatisfaction led to a rapid decline in its player base.
Despite a promising start, the game's performance fell short of Bandai Namco's financial projections, a factor cited in their March 31, 2024 financial report, ultimately contributing to the decision to end service.
