Bandai Namco has announced the cancellation of the global release of Blue Protocol, along with the closure of its Japanese servers in early 2025. This decision follows declining player numbers and the inability to meet player expectations. Let's examine the details of this announcement.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Cancellation and Japan Server Shutdown
Player Compensation and Final Updates
Bandai Namco's official statement cites an inability to provide a satisfactory service as the reason for shutting down Blue Protocol's Japanese servers on January 18, 2025. Consequently, the planned global launch in partnership with Amazon Games is also canceled. The company expressed regret for this outcome and the inability to continue global development.
To compensate players, Bandai Namco will provide 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (starting September 2024) and 250 Rose Orbs daily until the game's closure. Rose Orb purchases and refunds will cease. Additionally, the Season 9 pass and subsequent Season Passes will be free, and a final update (Chapter 7) is slated for December 18, 2024.
Launched in June 2023, Blue Protocol initially attracted over 200,000 concurrent players. However, launch day server issues and subsequent player dissatisfaction led to a rapid decline in the player base. The game's underperformance, as previously reported in Bandai Namco's financial report (ending March 31, 2024), ultimately contributed to this decision. Despite a strong initial interest, Blue Protocol failed to meet financial projections and sustain its player base.
