Blue Protocol delayed to 2024 in the west

A closed beta test is in the works

Amazon Games and Bandai Namco Online’s online action RPG Blue Protocol is setting up for its official June launch in Japan. But while one region will see the service go live, others will have to wait a bit longer for the big day.

During a Blue Protocol stream this morning, Bandai Namco announced that the western launch of Blue Protocol has been pushed back. Originally set for the second half of 2023, Blue Protocol will now launch in the west in 2024. Its site has also been adjusted to reflect this, now displaying a “coming 2024” line.

“Our planned release window is moving to 2024 as we work toward launching Blue Protocol in the West across PC, Xbox X|S, and PlayStation 5,” reads a statement on the official site. “With continued efforts to localize the deeply immersive stories and build the infrastructure needed to engage in multiplayer adventures and massive online raids against towering monsters, we’re working hard to ensure the best possible experience for our players at launch.”

For players in Japan, Blue Protocol will go live on June 14. There will, however, be a PC Closed Beta Test held sometime later in 2023. Sign-ups for the closed beta are currently live over on the Blue Protocol site here.

More of the game was also shown off today, featuring cutscenes, story characters, and some gameplay of the upcoming multiplayer action RPG.

A new world to explore

Interest seems fairly high in Blue Protocol, for a variety of reasons. It was originally revealed in 2019, so those who latched on early have been waiting for a little while, and its an online action RPG. That, in and of itself, is pretty intriguing.

The visuals and style are an obvious draw, too. Plus, it’s a new virtual world to explore with friends. The early days of any online game can be an enticing draw in and of themselves.

While the delay is a bummer, at least the closed beta test might at least offer interested players some hands-on time. Blue Protocol will head to PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 when it arrives in the west in 2024.

Eric Van Allen

Senior News Reporter – While Eric’s been writing about games since 2014, he’s been playing them for a lot longer. Usually found grinding RPG battles, digging into an indie gem, or hanging out around the Limsa Aethryte.

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