Blue Protocol Returns as "Star Resonance" with PC and Mobile Launch Planned for 2025

Bandai Namco’s anime-style MMORPG Blue Protocol is getting a second chance at life—this time under a new name and new leadership.

Rebranded as Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, the game is set to launch later this year on PC and mobile devices across Europe, North America, and Latin America.

For fans who were left disappointed after the game's shutdown, this comeback is a pretty big surprise. Back in August 2024, Bandai Namco announced it was pulling the plug on the game’s Japanese servers and scrapping its Western release plans. This move came just over a year after the game’s initial launch in Japan in June 2023. The shutdown didn’t go unnoticed—players held in-game gatherings to say their goodbyes before the servers officially went offline in January.

But now, the story’s taken a twist. Shanghai Bokura Network, a Chinese developer backed by Tencent, has stepped in to revive the project. Not only that, but some members of the original development team have reportedly been brought on board to help shape this new version.

And this isn’t just a simple relaunch. Blue Protocol: Star Resonance has been rebuilt from the ground up as a cross-platform MMO.

It’ll be free-to-play and available via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and mobile devices running iOS and Android.

Even better—progress carries over between platforms, so you can pick up where you left off no matter what device you’re using.

In terms of gameplay, Star Resonance sticks to MMO roots with a class-based system. You can choose between roles like the Shield Knight and Heavy Guardian for tanking, Frost Mage and Stormblade for damage, and Verdanct Oracle for healing and support.

The reveal trailer shows off flashy, fast-paced combat, resource gathering, and some lighthearted touches—like characters cruising around on hovering orbs.

The game will also feature deep character customization, a trading system, guilds, and plenty of social content and live events.

That said, not everything’s smooth sailing. Some early concerns are bubbling up around the game’s monetization model. YouTube playtesters have pointed out that progression might rely on gear upgrades and talent trees, with key materials tied to premium currency. While you can earn these through gameplay, there's speculation that the grind may get steeper over time to nudge players toward spending.

It’s worth remembering that the original Blue Protocol was supposed to be published in the West by Amazon Games, who had previously helped launch Lost Ark and New World. But after a lukewarm reception in Japan—and internal struggles at Bandai Namco—the project was shelved. The company said they couldn’t “provide a service that satisfies all of you,” and the shutdown was followed by over 100 staff layoffs.

Now, with Star Resonance, the game has a fresh shot at winning over global players. There’s no specific release date yet, but it’s expected to arrive sometime in 2025.