Worldwide Release Cancelled for Amazon Games’ Live-Service MMO Blue Protocol

Bandai Namco has confirmed today that the Japanese version of its anime-inspired MMORPG Blue Protocol will be “discontinued” on January 18, 2025. As a result, Bandai Namco also clarified that this also means any plans to release the game outside of Japan have now been cancelled.

“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Amazon Games throughout the development of Blue Protocol, and both of our teams are disappointed that we will not be able to deliver the game to players around the world,” the company said in a statement published on the Bandai Namco website.

“We have worked hard to prepare for the release; however, we have come to the conclusion that it will not be possible to provide a service that satisfies all of you.”

Co-developed by Bandai Namco Online and Bandai Namco Studios, Blue Protocol’s worldwide release plans were revealed at The Game Awards in 2022. At that time, Amazon Games told IGN that the live service game had been in development since 2015.

IGN’s 2023 hands-on preview found Blue Protocol “absolutely gorgeous” and “fun as hell.”

IGN has contacted Amazon for comment.

Luke is a Senior Editor on the IGN reviews team. You can chat to him on Twitter @MrLukeReilly.