Reflections from the Development Team
In a heartfelt blog post, the management team expressed their understanding of the excitement surrounding Blue Protocol since its initial announcement. They stated, “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.” Despite their extensive efforts to prepare for the launch, they ultimately concluded that they could not provide a service that would meet the expectations of their dedicated player base.
The disappointment among fans is palpable. One player voiced their frustration, saying, “You made me wait three years and had me hyped as this was my most anticipated game, drop the Japanese version and then say global is coming later, and then you cancel it??” This sentiment echoes the feelings of many who were eager to experience the game firsthand.
Impact on Players and Future Plans
While the cancellation is disheartening for prospective players, those who have invested significant amounts of money into the game may feel the impact even more acutely. In a recent announcement video, developers outlined the final roadmap for Blue Protocol and what players can expect in the months leading up to its closure. Unfortunately, players will not be able to receive refunds for the in-game currency, Rose Orbs, nor will they be able to purchase additional currency. However, Bandai Namco has pledged to distribute 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly from September until January, allowing players to acquire cosmetics and enjoy the game’s offerings one last time. Additionally, players will have access to the newly released battle pass at no cost.
Despite the excitement that initially surrounded Blue Protocol, there have been signs of trouble over the past year. Executive producer Sokichi Shimooka acknowledged in an interview with Famitsu that Bandai Namco had to redirect resources to investigate the reasons behind the significant player drop-off, indicating challenges that may have contributed to the game’s eventual fate.