The gaming neighborhood was taken without warning final week when Bandai Namco On-line and Amazon Video games introduced the shutdown of Blue Protocol and the cancellation of its world launch. Regardless of the grim information, Amazon has assured followers that builders engaged on the sport’s world model is not going to face layoffs however will as a substitute transition to different initiatives inside the firm.
The closure of Blue Protocol may need come as a shock to some, however others seemingly noticed it coming given the issues that had been brewing at Bandai Namco. Earlier this yr, the Japanese online game writer declared monetary insolvency, elevating doubts concerning the recreation’s future. The extended silence from each Bandai Namco and Amazon Video games on the standing of Blue Protocol solely fueled the hypothesis, making the choice to tug the plug appear inevitable. A mere yr after its launch, Blue Protocol joins the listing of promising MMOs that didn’t make it to a full world viewers.
In an trade ceaselessly marred by layoffs over the previous few years, it’s refreshing to listen to that the Blue Protocol workforce gained’t simply be given the boot. An Amazon Video games spokesperson confirmed that builders can be reassigned to different upcoming initiatives, guaranteeing that their abilities proceed to be utilized. “All members of the Blue Protocol workforce may have new roles at Amazon Video games,” the spokesperson mentioned, quelling considerations about job safety for the workforce members.
This transfer comes at a time when the gaming trade has been grappling with widespread layoffs, together with main gamers like Bungie and Microsoft. Amazon itself hasn’t been immune, having laid off 180 staff final yr. The choice to retain the Blue Protocol workforce is a hopeful signal amidst these difficult instances.
What lies forward for Blue Protocol’s Franchise Lead, Mike Zadorojny, stays to be seen. With Amazon getting ready to launch Throne and Liberty and New World: Aeternum in October, together with ongoing growth for its Lord of the Rings MMO, Zadorojny’s experience will undoubtedly be a worthwhile asset. Amazon has but to make clear his subsequent position, however given their portfolio, there are many alternatives on the horizon.
Whereas Blue Protocol may be ending its journey, its builders are gearing up for brand spanking new adventures, bringing their expertise and creativity to Amazon’s different gaming initiatives. In the meantime, Bandai Namco plans to maintain the Japanese servers operating till January 18, 2025.
