The upcoming multiplayer RPG Blue Protocol caused a lot of buzz and then disappeared from the scene for a long time. Now, developer Bandai Namco returns with a big trailer and hints at many details in December. We from MeinMMO summarize.
What is Blue Protocol? The multiplayer RPG is currently being developed by the Japanese developer and publisher Bandai Namco and aims not only to tell an engaging story but also to provide plenty of content for fans of MMORPGs and games like Genshin Impact.
Blue Protocol features an anime look and a large, open world that is divided into zones, similar to Guild Wars 2, and focuses on a middle ground between MMORPG and the co-op mode of Genshin Impact. Only 40 players can be in a map at the same time.
Thematically, the game revolves around time travel, as you flee approximately 1,000 years into the past to prevent a catastrophe and save the world. Here’s what to expect in terms of gameplay:
- A strong focus on PvE and story, with no PvP.
- Monsters do not drop equipment; everything must be crafted.
- Dungeons for solo players and groups of up to 6 people, with raids planned as well.
- Action combat system where dodging and targeting are important.
- Character system with 5 different classes. The Heavy Smasher was announced as the latest class in June 2021.
How long has it been quiet? Blue Protocol was actually supposed to release in Japan in 2021 and potentially go global later, but nothing has happened so far. After the beta, which was closed again in December 2020, and an announcement in 2021, things went very quiet about the game.
Now, the developers from Bandai Namco are back and not only releasing a strong trailer but also bringing two more big surprises.
You can watch the new trailer here:
Playtest in January and many details still in December
What is there besides the trailer? Along with the new trailer, the developers also announced a large playtest for January. There, the network technology will be put to the test. Around 50,000 people will be able to play Blue Protocol from January 14 to 16.
However, the playtest only takes place in Japan, and you will need a Japanese ID to participate. Nevertheless, we can expect some information from the playtest.
But there could be big news for the Western market even earlier, as the developers also announced in a teaser that they have an announcement ready for the Game Awards.
The Game Awards will take place on December 8 and are a major industry event, especially in the West. It is conceivable that we will receive information in December about when and whether we will be able to play Blue Protocol in Germany.
A worldwide release is possible, but not confirmed
Is Blue Protocol coming to us at all? There is still no official statement regarding a global release. According to the developers, Blue Protocol is set to launch for the Japanese market.
However, in the past, localization managers for the English language have been sought, and a deal was made with Smilegate, the developers of Lost Ark, for the Korean market. This suggests that Bandai Namco wants to make their game accessible to a larger market.
What do you think of Blue Protocol? Does this anime MMORPG appeal to you?
In a very similar direction, the MMORPG Tower of Fantasy already launched in 2022. It finally also came to Steam in October, and MeinMMO author Anny Bader will tell you if the game is worth playing now.
