QuestLog.gg 
In light of the recent turbulence surrounding "Blue Protocol," it's becoming increasingly clear that the anticipated global release of this anime-inspired MMO might never come to fruition. Recent reports reveal significant financial struggles for Bandai Namco Online, the studio behind "Blue Protocol," casting serious doubts over its future outside Japan.
Bandai Namco Online Declares Insolvency
Financial Woes Lead to Uncertainty
Bandai Namco Online, a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Games, has declared insolvency due to substantial financial losses, amounting to over $51 million in the last fiscal year. The studio's inability to cover its debts puts the future of "Blue Protocol" and other projects in jeopardy. This financial decline is attributed to several factors, including the underperformance of other titles like "Idolish 7," "Gundam Evolution," and "SD Gundam Operation," as well as an ambitious but unsuccessful attempt to replicate the massive success of "Elden Ring."
Impact on "Blue Protocol"
"Blue Protocol," which celebrated its first anniversary in Japan, has not met the studio's expectations in terms of performance. Originally slated for a global release, the game's prospects have become increasingly bleak. Bandai Namco Online's insolvency raises serious concerns about the viability of the game's international launch, which was already delayed to 2024.
Amazon's Silence on "Blue Protocol"
Omitted from Amazon's Future Plans
Amazon Games, the Western publisher for "Blue Protocol," has been notably silent regarding the game's future. While Amazon has announced new projects and expansions, including titles like "Tomb Raider," "The Lord of the Rings," and "Throne and Liberty," "Blue Protocol" has conspicuously been left out. This omission is troubling, especially given Amazon's focus on fostering communities around its games.
Shift in Focus to Other Projects
Amazon's recent moves, including opening a new studio in Romania to support its long-term goals, suggest a shift in focus away from "Blue Protocol." With South Korea's indefinite delay of the game's release and the Western publisher's lack of recent updates, the possibility of "Blue Protocol" seeing a global release seems ever more remote.
Future Prospects: The Mobile Version and Beyond
Tencent's Mobile Version: A Silver Lining?
Despite the grim outlook for the PC and console versions, there might be a glimmer of hope for "Blue Protocol" fans through Tencent's mobile adaptation. Tencent secured the rights to develop and publish a mobile version of the game, which remains in active development. This mobile iteration could potentially be the last chance for "Blue Protocol" to make an impact on a global scale.
The Broader MMO Landscape
The struggles of "Blue Protocol" reflect broader issues within the MMO genre. With established titles like "World of Warcraft," "Final Fantasy XIV," and "Guild Wars 2" maintaining their dominance, newer MMOs face steep challenges in capturing and retaining a player base. The genre's fans are left with few quality options, as many recent releases have failed to meet expectations.
Conclusion
The fate of "Blue Protocol" remains uncertain as Bandai Namco Online grapples with financial instability and Amazon shifts its focus elsewhere. While the game's future looks bleak for a global audience, there is still a sliver of hope in Tencent's mobile version. The ongoing struggles highlight the challenging landscape of MMO development and the high expectations placed on new entries in the genre.
For those disappointed by the potential loss of "Blue Protocol," stay tuned for upcoming content on alternative anime MMOs that might fill the void.