Blue Protocol, an action-MMO game developed by Bandai Namco, was recently announced to be canceled for its western release. The game had been in development for nearly eight years and was initially set to launch earlier this year. However, the developers concluded that they would not be able to provide a satisfactory gaming experience for players.
The decision to cancel Blue Protocol may not come as a surprise to Japanese fans who had been disappointed with the slow updates and lack of content in the game. In comparison to popular games like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero, Blue Protocol struggled to gain traction. Genshin Impact currently boasts over 66 million active players, while Zenless Zone Zero reached 50 million downloads in its first month. Bandai Namco likely anticipated greater losses by continuing to work on Blue Protocol and launching it in North America.
This cancellation reflects the challenges faced by major publishers like Bandai Namco and Amazon Games when it comes to games as a service. While it may be a financially responsible decision, it suggests that there may be limited opportunities for recovery after certain setbacks. Amazon’s other MMORPG, New World, has enjoyed moderate success since its launch and seems to be the company’s focus for the foreseeable future.
Overall, the cancellation of Blue Protocol highlights the competitive nature of the gaming industry and the importance of delivering a compelling and engaging gaming experience. It also serves as a reminder that even major publishers face challenges and difficult decisions when it comes to releasing new games.
