After planning to release in 2023, Bandai Namco’s upcoming action MMORPGBlue Protocolhas been delayed. Having been revealed at The Game Awards 2022,Blue Protocolmarks a collaboration between the Japanese gaming giantBandai Namcoand the budding AAA publisher Amazon Games.
Bandai Namco Studios is responsible for recent titles such as the vampiric SoulslikeCode Vein, the psychic sci-fi action gameScarlet Nexus, and the fantasy RPGTales of Arise. Fans of these games have been looking forward to the studio’s next RPG inBlue Protocol, an online multiplayer experience that will see players team up to take on quests, bosses, and even raids. A departure from the studio’s previous lineup of story-focused, single-player RPGs, fans of the studio wouldn’t be unwise to remain faithful in Bandai Namco Studios' narrative prowess.Blue Protocolcould still feature compelling storytelling and charactersdespite these types of games tending to fall flat when it comes to high-quality narratives.
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On Twitter,Blue Protocolannounced its Japanese release date of June 14 while also revealing that the game’s Western release is being pushed to 2024. Furthermore, in a post on its website,Blue Protocolcited localization efforts as one of the reasons for the unfortunate delay. On a more positive note, that very same post confirmed that thePC closed beta testis still set for later this year.
AlongsideBlue Protocol, Bandai Namco Studios is also hard at work on theupcomingTekken 8, one of the most anticipated fighting games in development. With NetherRealm’sMortal Kombat 1and Capcom’sStreet Fighter 6both landing this year, there’s some pressure on Bandai Namco to keep up with the competition and deliver an excellent mainlineTekkenexperience. One might argue that the focus onTekken 8could be a cause ofBlue Protocol’swestern delay. However, with over 1,200 employees and the support of Bandai Namco Online, it’s unlikely thatTekken 8is hogging development resources away fromBlue Protocol.
Blue Protocol’s publisher, Amazon Games, has been struggling to find consistent success after its lackluster launch ofNew Worldand the cancelation of aLord of the Rings MMOa few years ago. Now, with the more recent success ofLost Arkand afreshly announced newLord of the RingsMMO,Blue Protocolcould be another step in the right direction for Amazon Games' publishing efforts if successful. Unfortunately, Bandai Namco fans in the West will have to wait another year to dive into the MMO world ofBlue Protocol.
Blue Protocolis in coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2024.
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