Bandai Namco has announced that it's shutting down action RPG Blue Protocol's service in Japan this January, and as a result, the game will also no longer get a Western release.
In a news post on the official Blue Protocol website, Bandai Namco says it's shutting down Blue Protocol on January 18th in Japan, and that the Western release of the game, which was planned to be handled by Amazon Games, will no longer go ahead.
Bandai Namco goes on to say that both it and Amazon are "disappointed" they won't be able to release Blue Protocol globally, acknowledging that there has been "great anticipation" for the game since it was first revealed.
The developer goes on to say that its goal with Blue Protocol was to create an experience "that is like stepping into the world of anime", and one that allows players to become "the main character of the anime".
However, Bandai Namco says it has "come to the conclusion that it will not be possible to provide a service that satisfies all of you". The studio signs off by apologizing for its "sudden announcement".
It's not entirely clear why Bandai Namco has chosen to shut down Blue Protocol, but if it's anything like a number of other live-service games that have shut down in recent times, it's likely due to dwindling player numbers or a lack of profitability.
Blue Protocol's shutdown and cancellation could also be part of Bandai Namco's initiative to refocus its development efforts on quality.
In its February financial report, a then-new online game released by the studio performed below expectations, and while Blue Protocol isn't named, it's likely that's the game to which Bandai Namco is referring.
Whatever the reason might be, unfortunately, if you've been hoping to play Blue Protocol in the West sometime this year, you may have to look elsewhere for your anime kicks. Stay tuned for more on this and all other things Bandai Namco.
