I'm Bummed That Star Resonance Is Releasing In China Next Month And Not Globally

It was recently announced that Star Resonance will officially launch in China on July 17, with a global release expected sometime later this year. If you’re not familiar, this upcoming free-to-play MMORPG from Shanghai Bokura Network Technology is basically Blue Protocol 2.0. And yeah, I’m kind of bummed about the news.

I played Blue Protocol (developed by Bandai Namco) during its final closed beta before the game shut down. Despite all the backlash and its eventual downfall, I actually had a great time with it. I’d been hyped since day one, so when Blue Protocol got canceled before even releasing in the West, it hit hard.

Now Star Resonance is almost here — essentially a spiritual successor, but this time backed by Tencent instead of Amazon Games. Naturally, I’m excited all over again. Unfortunately, us outside of China are stuck waiting with vague promises of a global release in 2025.

This kind of release strategy just sucks. What if the game dies again before we ever get to play it? Staggered, drip-fed updates and region-locked content kill hype — it fractures the community before it even has a chance to form. I understand the logistical and regulatory hurdles, sure. Yet after waiting years for Blue Protocol, only to see Star Resonance teased and then locked away behind another wall? It’s hard not to feel burned.

I’m still hyped, don’t get me wrong. I’ve been waiting for this dang game since Blue Protocol was first revealed in 2019. So I’ll be watching Star Resonance closely. Maybe it’ll be worth the wait. Hopefully. I hate waiting though, man.