Bandai Namco has announced the cancellation of the global release of Blue Protocol, and the closure of its Japanese servers in early 2025. This decision follows declining player numbers and underperformance.
Blue Protocol: Global Release Canceled, Japanese Servers Shutting Down
Player Compensation and Final Updates
Bandai Namco's decision to end Blue Protocol's service in Japan on January 18, 2025, also effectively cancels the planned global launch in partnership with Amazon Games. The company cited an inability to meet player expectations as the reason for the closure. In an official statement, Bandai expressed regret over the cancellation.
Until the servers close, Bandai will continue to release updates and new content. While Rose Orb purchases and refunds will cease, players will receive 5,000 Rose Orbs monthly (September 2024 - January 2025), plus a daily 250 Rose Orbs bonus. The Season 9 pass will be free, and the final update (Chapter 7) is slated for December 18, 2024.
The game's Japanese launch in June 2023 initially saw strong interest, exceeding 200,000 concurrent players. However, significant server issues on launch day and subsequent player dissatisfaction led to a sharp decline in its player base.
The game's underperformance, reported in Bandai Namco's financial report (fiscal year ending March 31, 2024), ultimately led to the decision to terminate service. Despite its promising start, Blue Protocol failed to meet the company's financial projections and sustain its player base.
