Bandai Namco Online Announces Closure of BLUE PROTOCOL Servers and Cancellation of Western Release

In an unexpected turn of events, Bandai Namco Online has announced the upcoming shutdown of their ambitious MMO, BLUE PROTOCOL, in Japan, with a slated closure date of January 18, 2025. This announcement was coupled with the discontinuation of plans to release the game in Western markets, a project that was to be in collaboration with Amazon Games.

“BLUE PROTOCOL,” which promised an immersive anime-style world, has been under development with the intent of providing players an experience akin to being the protagonist of their own anime. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the game, the project failed to live up to expectations in Japan, which ultimately led to the early discontinuation of the game.

In their official statement, Bandai Namco Online expressed their regret and deep apologies for the game’s sudden cancellation. “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,” the company stated.

The cancellation is particularly disheartening for fans who participated in the Closed Technical Test and have been closely following the game’s progress. Bandai Namco Online acknowledged the disappointment this decision might cause, especially given the high anticipation since the game’s announcement. “We wanted to deliver an experience that is like stepping into the world of anime, and we have been challenging ourselves to create a world where each and every player can enjoy adventures as the main character of the anime,” the developers explained.