After the unexpected cancellation of Bandai Namco's anime-inspired MMO Blue Protocol last year, fans of the genre have something to celebrate. A new iteration of the game, called Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, is now confirmed for release in 2025, offering players another chance to explore the colorful world of Regnas.
The Resurrection Story
What appeared to be the permanent death of Blue Protocol has taken an unexpected turn. While Bandai Namco and Amazon were preparing for the original game's Western launch, Chinese developer Shanghai Bokura Network Technology was quietly working on a spinoff project codenamed 'Project Sky Blue.' This project has now evolved into Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, effectively resurrecting the IP but with significant changes. The original Blue Protocol shut down its Japanese servers in January 2025 after Amazon cancelled its Western release in August 2024, making this revival particularly surprising for fans who had already mourned the game's demise.
A New Yet Familiar Experience
Star Resonance is set in the same universe as the original Blue Protocol but features a reworked storyline. The game promises a sprawling open world filled with dungeons and raids designed for group play, similar to established MMOs like Final Fantasy 14. While it's not a direct continuation of the original game, it maintains the anime aesthetic and action-focused gameplay that made Blue Protocol appealing to many players.
Game Features
- Full character customization
- Open world environment
- Dungeon and raid content
- Guild system
- In-game trading
- Community events
- Action-focused combat
Class System and Character Customization
Players will have access to several distinct classes at launch, including Heavy Guardian, Stormblade, Wind Knight, Marksman, Frost Mage, Verdant Oracle, and Shield Knight. Each class offers unique playstyles and armor sets, with more classes planned for future updates. The game will feature comprehensive character customization options, allowing players to personalize both their appearance and combat style to suit their preferences.
Available Character Classes in Blue Protocol: Star Resonance
- Heavy Guardian
- Stormblade
- Wind Knight
- Marksman
- Frost Mage
- Verdant Oracle
- Shield Knight
Community-Focused Features
Star Resonance is positioning itself as a community-centric experience with features designed to bring players together. The game will include in-game trading systems, guild functionality, and special events focused on fostering player interaction. Social spaces, like the bonfire gathering shown in promotional materials, suggest that the developers understand the importance of non-combat activities in creating a vibrant MMO community.
Monetization Concerns
Early reports from playtesters have raised some concerns about Star Resonance's monetization approach. The game's progression appears tied to talent tree advancement and gear upgrades that require materials potentially purchasable with premium currency. While these materials can reportedly be earned through gameplay, there are worries that the balance might eventually shift toward encouraging real-money purchases to bypass grinding.
Development Background
The path to Star Resonance's creation is unusual in the gaming industry. Initially planned as a mobile game set in the Blue Protocol universe, Shanghai Bokura Network Technology expanded the project's scope following the original game's closure. The developer has already conducted several beta tests in China throughout late 2024 and early 2025, suggesting development is well underway despite limited information available to Western audiences.
Release Timeline
Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is confirmed for release sometime in 2025. While no specific date has been announced, the game can already be wishlisted on digital platforms, allowing interested players to stay updated on its development progress. Whether it will capture the audience that the original Blue Protocol aimed for remains to be seen, but its existence offers a second chance for fans of anime-styled MMOs.