Star Resonance: Bandai Namco’s Blue Protocol Revival in the Works
Blue Protocol, Bandai Namco’s once-promising MMORPG, is finding new life in a spinoff-turned-successor called Star Resonance. Despite initial excitement, Blue Protocol struggled to maintain a sustainable player base, leading to its shutdown announcement in August 2024. Players have until January 2025 to explore the world of Regnas before the original game’s servers go offline.
However, hope isn’t lost for fans. Star Resonance, a project initially conceived as a mobile spinoff, is stepping in to fill the void. Developed by Chinese studio Bokura in collaboration with Bandai Namco, Star Resonance is set in the same vibrant world as Blue Protocol but introduces a fresh storyline and new characters.
Currently undergoing a closed beta in China, scheduled to conclude in late December 2024, Star Resonance shows promise. The game has retained some of Blue Protocol’s original developers, aiming to deliver an authentic spiritual successor experience. Its pivot to mobile support could also broaden its appeal, following the success of similar titles like Genshin Impact.
Bokura’s backing by Tencent, a gaming giant with extensive resources, further bolsters Star Resonance’s potential for success. While a release date is yet to be announced, fans of the genre are eagerly awaiting updates. With Bandai Namco and Tencent’s support, Star Resonance may achieve what Blue Protocol could not: a global audience and long-term viability.
Stay tuned for more details on Star Resonance’s launch and its journey into the MMO landscape.