The Global Version of SinoAlice to End Service in November
The past year hasn’t been favorable for Square Enix, experiencing declines in operating income and net sales, as well as the arrest of former Sonic creator Yuji Naka. Furthermore, Just Cause Mobile was discontinued prior to its launch, and the latest financial report revealed that even Dragon Quest Champions failed to enhance Square Enix’s mobile performance.
Although the company’s net sales of $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year is noteworthy, the negative trend persists. Unfortunately, it has been announced that the global version of SinoAlice will be shutting down this November.
Farewell…
SinoAlice, an RPG and gacha game for Android and iOS, was initially released in Japan in 2017, followed by a global release almost three years later. Square Enix and Pokelabo developed the game, with Square Enix handling the Japanese distribution and Pokelabo managing its international release.
The end of service is scheduled for November 15, a mere two months away. In-app currency purchases have already been discontinued, and players who have unused Twilight Crystals will receive refunds when the game closes.
“To all our valued users who’ve supported SinoAlice and enjoyed playing thus far, we deeply apologize for this sudden announcement. We thank you for your understanding,” posted the SinoAlice management team.
“We are incredibly grateful to our many users, as it is thanks to your overwhelming support since the start of service that we have been able to continue operations up until now. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude once again from all of us here in the management team.”
Even though Square Enix often releases mobile games exclusively in Japan, SinoAlice had the opportunity to shine among Western players.
Despite recent setbacks, Square Enix’s impact on the industry has earned the company a spot on our Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2023 list. With titles like Final Fantasy XV: War for Eos and Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, there is optimism that Square Enix will overcome this slump and make a strong comeback by 2024.