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Blue Protocol: Everything We Know

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Amazon Games and Bandai Namco have been busy ironing out the details for their latest joint venture—a free-to-play online RPG called Blue ProtocolThe premise, in a similar vein to other well adorned RPGs, is based around a fantasy realm; an anime-inspired location that houses several distinctive classes and species. Intrigued? Us too.

“In the earliest days, we imagined a project that take players on a heroic journey, through a planet teetering on the brink of destruction after millennia of conflict and technology overuse,” said Blue Protocol executive producer Sokichi Shimooka. “A Journey in which we transcend space and time, unlock our memories, defeat powerful foes, and alter the destructive future that threatens all mankind. We want to invite you to experience a new Multiplayer Online Action RPG where players become the hero of their very own sci-fi fantasy adventure.”

So, clearly a lot of talk on Amazon Games' part. But does it have the footage and screenshots to support the spiel? Well, let's see where you stand on the subject. Here's everything we can currently tell you about it based on the information brought to light since The Game Awards 2022.

What Is Blue Protocol?

To put you in the picture, Blue Protocol is an upcoming multiplayer action RPG. Like the studio's former works, which includes Lost Ark and New World, the upcoming IP will feature a massive open world setting for players to explore and use as a stepping stone to help formulate new and fully customizable plots and character arcs. The only difference here, of course, is its blatant nod to the world of anime, effectively making it a love letter to some of the biggest and most celebrated franchises on the market.

The good news is, Blue Protocol will launch as a free-to-play game on both consoles and PC. Does this mean it'll feature microtransactions and other forms of pay-to-win schemes? In short, yes, though nothing that'll spoil the overall experience, apparently. Instead, Blue Protocol will incorporate a premium store known as the Regnas Store, which will stock various in-game goodies — purely cosmetic, of course. So, while not a pay-to-win game in the traditional sense, it will have a premium currency that can either be utilized, or completely swept under the rug.

Story

Blue Protocol throws you into the realm of Regnas, an open world locked in ongoing warfare due to overuse of technology and generations of open conflict. As one of its aspiring heroes, you will venture forth and grasp the powers needed to stop the world from spiralling into everlasting darkness and destruction. How you go about doing this, of course, will depend entirely on the actions you make and the alliances you establish along the way.

“You are on a quest to uncover the truth about your origins” the blurb adds. “On your travels you meet people from many worlds and make new friends with whom you share your adventures. Eventually, you find yourself facing an inescapable destiny that will determine the fate of planet Regnas.”

Gameplay

As an action RPG at heart, Blue Protocol will adopt a palette of combat mechanics for you to customize and alter to suit your preferred playstyle. It'll also let you go beyond tweaking fighting mechanics and open the door to an entire world of customization — one that lets you tailor your appearance, cosmetics, and even your mounts. So, expect a lot of freedom from the get-go.

In addition to the combat, Blue Protocol also boasts a rich and immersive multiplayer experience, meaning you can form everlasting bonds with other players and “tackle quests, fight boss battles, and engage in massive online raids against towering monsters.” All of this will come bundled in a dynamic world that lives and breathes all things anime and fantasy-like. A real home away from home for die-hard JRPG fans, really.

Development

Amazon Games first lifted the veil on Blue Protocol back at The Game Awards event in December 2022. Since announcing its partnership with Bandai Namco, the highly ambitious RPG has been rolled out as a closed beta in Japan, and has garnered the attention of just about every multiplayer-loving fanatic on the monopoly. And while it has yet to receive a proper release date, both teams behind it have made it clear that it'll launch in the second half of 2023. That is, providing neither of the two firms bump into any issues along the way, of course.

“Blue Protocol is a beautifully crafted game; it’s like an anime come to life,” said Christoph Hartmann, VP, Amazon Games. “Bandai Namco Online has created a world of the highest quality with a compelling story that will build community and immerse players in an action-packed adventure. As anime continues to rise in popularity globally, we look forward to bringing Blue Protocol to players in the West next year.”

“Amazon’s commitment to quality and attention to detail in bringing Blue Protocol to new audiences is exemplary,” added Sokichi Shimooka, executive producer of Blue Protocol at Bandai Namco Online Inc. “The Amazon Games team’s deep expertise in operating multiplayer games, combined with Amazon’s publishing resources and transmedia opportunities, made them the ideal publisher for Blue Protocol in the West. We’re excited to work together to bring players an incredible experience.”

Trailer

BLUE PROTOCOL: Announce Trailer – The Game Awards

Yes, there is a trailer of Blue Protocol. And not just any old trailer either, but a full-fledged preview that just so happens to showcase some of the game's core gameplay mechanics and settings. Curious? You can see it for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Blue Protocol will be coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam at some stage in the latter half of 2023. Does this technically mean Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Switch have been crossed out? By the looks of it, yes. That said, depending on the game's popularity on launch, who's to say it won't find a port or two in the months or years following its base launch? Only time will tell on that one.

Unfortunately for any avid collectors and lovers of all things physical media-based, Blue Protocol won't have any special copies to purchase at launch. Makes sense, though, seeing as it's strapped to a free-to-play model. There will be a Season Pass, however, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Amazon Games' IP caught your eye? If so, then don't forget to check in with the studio's official social feed for additional updates here. If anything even the slightest bit noteworthy pops up ahead of its 2023 launch, we'll be sure to let you know all the key details right here on gaming.net.

 

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Blue Protocol when it releases later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.