Key Takeaways
- Blue Protocol is getting revived by the Chinese studio Bokura.
- Star Resonance is more-or-less a successor to Blue Protocol.
- Developers from Project Sky Blue have departed Bandai Namco to join Bokura.
Blue Protocol, once a highly-anticipated MMORPG from Bandai Namco, is receiving an unlikely revival in the form of the Chinese studio Bokura, which is partially funded by the massive gaming holding company Tencent (nice spot, Eurogamer).
Blue Protocol was highly anticipated when it was first announced and subsequently released in Japan. However, issues surrounding balance, microtransactions and grinding were quickly highlighted by the game’s budding community, casting a negative light on the game. Ultimately, Blue Protocol scarcely lasted a year before Bandai Namco decided to pull the plug, cancelling the game’s Western release and announcing servers would shut down in January 2025.
“We know this is disappointing news, and we share your disappointment,” reads Bandai Namco’s statement. “We love the world and characters of Blue Protocol, and we were excited to welcome players around the world into Regnas. We join Bandai Namco Online in expressing deep gratitude to the passionate fans who followed Blue Protocol development and participated in the Closed Technical Test.”
Resurrection
While Blue Protocol is certainly flawed and lacking the success that Bandai Namco is looking for, the MMO actually has attracted a dedicated player base in Japan. While this announcement would have certainly disappointed them, they’ll be heartened to learn that January’s server shutdown may not be the end of Blue Protocol.
A few developers from Project Sky Blue, the internal studio responsible for Blue Protocol, have joined the development team at Bokura to work on a new project, Star Resonance.
Star Resonance began as a spin-off to Blue Protocol, but, following the latter’s shutting down, has become a spiritual successor of sorts. Star Resonance closely resembles Blue Protocol but with different characters and a different narrative. The former spin-off is planning a closed beta test in China through mid-December and is planning for a simultaneous launch on both mobile and PC.
Bokura’s website doesn’t have any projects listed, but it does claim its developers have experience working on MMORPGs. Blue Protocol may never return, but Star Resonance looks set to continue the game’s legacy and universe.
An Epic Journey Through Time: You are on a quest to uncover the truth about your origins. On your travels you meet people from many worlds and make new friends with whom you share your adventures. Eventually, you find yourself facing an inescapable destiny that will determine the fate of planet Regnas.
Action-Packed Combat: It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the action-based combat system features simple controls that are customizable and able to match any playstyle.
Deep Customization: Become your ideal self: choose your facial appearance, hairstyle, clothes, accessories, weapons, and mounts for a combination that’s uniquely your personal style.
Multiplayer Adventure: Work together as a team with other players to tackle quests, fight boss battles, and engage in massive online raids against towering monsters.