It is very common for games as a service or those with a strong emphasis on online components to shut down their servers. Usually, the end of operations occurs months or even years after launch as a consequence of commercial failure, licensing issues, studio closure, and more. Therefore, the case of the latest Love Live! game is quite curious.
In case you are unfamiliar, Love Live! is a multimedia franchise consisting of games, an anime, a manga adaptation, and an animated film. The story follows a group of girls who become idols in an attempt to prevent the closure of their high school.
Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! Hasn't Even Debuted Yet and Already Has an Expiry Date
It is a particularly popular franchise in Japan, and some of its gaming projects were never available in the West. Hence, it drew attention when Bushiroad announced that a mobile title would reach more markets. However, the announcement came with an unpleasant surprise.
Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! is a rhythmic free-to-play game for mobile devices that debuted in April 2023 in Japan. The developers of this project promised a global launch, which was scheduled for sometime last year.
Now, Bushiroad confirmed that this free-to-play title will celebrate its global launch in February 2024. Pre-registrations are already available, and interested players can visit the official website to join.
So far, the announcement is quite conventional, right? However, what caught the attention of many is that the company used the same post to confirm that the global version of Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! will shut down its servers permanently on May 31, 2024.
Yes, the end of online services for this mobile free-to-play game was announced in the same post that revealed the Western release window. Needless to say, users reacted with surprise and wondered why they would launch the game in the first place if it already has an expiration date.
The game will shut down its servers on March 31, 2024, in Japan. "We appreciate the love and support you showed us and are committed to making these last few months unforgettable," concluded the statement.
But tell us, what do you think of this peculiar situation? Do you know of any similar cases? Do you plan to try the free-to-play game before its closure? Let us know in the comments.
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