In a shocking turn of events, Square Enix has revealed that its long-awaited, free-to-play mobile game, Just Cause Mobile, is officially discontinued. The decision comes just before the game’s global release, leaving fans disappointed and puzzled by the sudden change in course.
The announcement of the game was teased during The Game Awards 2020, which aimed to bring the exhilarating action and over-the-top gameplay of the popular Just Cause series to the mobile platform.
Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game promised an engaging story campaign, co-op missions, and competitive multiplayer modes, allowing players to aim for the skies with parachutes.
The game’s website and Twitter account have been taken offline, serving as a clear indication that Square Enix is withdrawing the title from development and abandoning its plans for a release.
A snapshot of the game’s website reveals that regional early access closed in February this year. Although the original intention was to release the game worldwide eventually, those plans have been abruptly halted.
Anne-Lou Grosbois-Favreau, Square Enix’s brand lead, expressed her regret by saying, “It is with great sadness that we are announcing the end of development for Just Cause Mobile.”
As of the recent announcement, Just Cause Mobile has been pulled out of the digital stores, making it inaccessible to new players. Square Enix has guaranteed existing players that in-game currency will be compensated.
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The Just Cause series was released in 2006 and has enjoyed a dedicated fanbase, with sequels released in 2010, 2015, and 2018. The franchise, which was developed by Avalanche Studios, has not seen a new release since 2019’s Rage 2.
While Avalanche Studios is working on the Xbox and PC game Contraband, details about its progress have been scarce, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Unfortunately, Just Cause Mobile is not the only game based on a popular franchise to meet an untimely demise. Earlier this year, Electronic Arts (EA) [1] decided to pull out Battlefield Mobile and Apex Legends Mobile, disappointing fans of these beloved IPs.
While the reasons behind the cancellation of Just Cause Mobile remain undisclosed, it’s not uncommon for game development projects to face unforeseen challenges or shift strategic priorities. Square Enix’s decision, although disheartening for fans, reflects the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where not all ventures reach fruition.
