Credit: Square Enix / CanvaAfter months of anticipation, Square Enix has officially cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the GPS-based mobile RPG. While it’s disappointing news for fans eager to explore a new story set in Scala ad Caelum, there’s still a silver lining: Kingdom Hearts 4 is alive and might just be the beginning of the saga’s end.
Missing-Link Cancelled Before Launch
Originally announced with a 2024 release window, Kingdom Hearts Missing Link was designed as an on-the-go adventure. It uses real-world location data (similar to Pokémon GO) to immerse players in battles against the Heartless. Set in the enigmatic realm of Scala ad Caelum, the game promised an original storyline expanding the Kingdom Hearts lore on mobile devices.
But in an official statement on social media, Square Enix announced the cancellation, citing the inability to deliver a long-term experience that would satisfy players.
An important announcement regarding KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link. pic.twitter.com/pXL2ULBV8k
— Official KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link (@KHMLink_NA) May 14, 2025
Fans who participated in the closed beta tests and followed development updates were understandably disheartened, but the message didn’t end there.
Kingdom Hearts 4: Still in the Works
Right at the end of the statement, Square Enix dropped a much-needed glimmer of hope: “We are hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4.”
Though news on KH4 has been sparse since its cinematic trailer reveal in 2022, this is the first substantial update in months, and a sign that Square Enix is focused on the franchise’s core storyline.
The trailer introduced fans to Quadratum, a realistic, urban setting where Sora awakens in a completely new world, suggesting a tonal and visual shift for the series.
Could This Be the End of the Saga?
According to long-time series director Tetsuya Nomura, Kingdom Hearts 4 might finally steer the franchise toward its conclusion. After 22 years, more than a dozen titles, and countless plot twists involving hearts, darkness, alternate realities, and time travel, it seems the end could be in sight.
While nothing is officially confirmed, Nomura has suggested that the next arc could resolve long-running narrative threads and bring meaningful closure to Sora’s journey. In an interview with Young Jump magazine in Japan, he indicated that the story is entering its final phase, implying that Kingdom Hearts 4 may begin the lead-up to the saga’s ultimate conclusion.
Whether this means the end of the series or just the end of one saga is still unclear, but fans are already theorizing what a finale might look like.
Disney’s Role in the Future of Kingdom Hearts
One of the most iconic aspects of the Kingdom Hearts franchise has always been its crossover with Disney properties. From classic characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy to appearances from Toy Story, Frozen, and Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney has been deeply integrated into the series’ DNA.
While KH4’s trailer leaned heavily into a more grounded, original-world aesthetic with no Disney characters shown, Square Enix has reassured fans that Disney worlds will still be present. The collaboration between Square Enix and Disney remains strong, and we’ll likely see new or returning Disney franchises appear in surprising ways.
With Disney now owning even more pop culture powerhouses like Star Wars and Marvel, fans are speculating on whether Sora could eventually wield a Keyblade in galaxies far, far away, or alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
The Road Ahead for Kingdom Hearts Fans
While it’s unfortunate that Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link has been shelved, the focus on KH4 is encouraging. Square Enix is clearly aware of the weight the next installment carries and appears to be taking the time to get it right.
For longtime fans, the idea that the next game could bring narrative closure after two decades is exciting and emotional. And if Disney’s magic is still in the mix, there’s no telling just how far Kingdom Hearts 4 will go.
So while the journey took an unexpected detour, the adventure isn’t over yet. The hearts of fans are still strong, and the next chapter is on its way.