Bandai Namco's Blue Protocol, initially slated for a global release, has been cancelled. The Japanese servers, which launched in June 2023, will also shut down on January 18, 2025. This decision follows the game's underperformance and inability to meet player expectations.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Cancelled and Japanese Servers Closing
Player Compensation and Final Updates
Bandai Namco cites an inability to deliver a satisfactory service as the reason for the closure. The planned global launch, a partnership with Amazon Games, is also scrapped. The company expressed regret over this outcome in an official statement.
To compensate players, Bandai Namco will provide 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (starting September 2024) and 250 daily, until the server shutdown. Rose Orb purchases and refunds will be disabled. Players will receive the Season 9 pass for free, and the final update (Chapter 7) is set for December 18, 2024.
The game initially saw a strong launch in Japan, exceeding 200,000 concurrent players. However, this success was short-lived, hampered by server issues and declining player numbers. The game's underperformance, previously hinted at in Bandai Namco's March 2024 financial report, ultimately led to this decision. Despite initial promise, Blue Protocol failed to meet financial targets and maintain a sustainable player base.