Echoes of Mana to end service just one year after launch

Yet another nostalgia-tinged mobile title bites the dust

Square Enix has announced that it will be shutting down service for mobile RPG Echoes of Mana — The free-to-play RPG, which launched in April 2022, will hit the lights on May 15, 2023, just a pip over 12 months on from its initial launch.

“We regret to announce we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Echoes of Mana app service,” reads a statement posted to the official website. “From the Echoes of Mana Production Team, we apologize for the abrupt announcement but are sincerely grateful for the support we’ve received from our players.”

“Since Echoes of Mana‘s launch on April 27, 2022, we’ve strived to provide an incredible and enjoyable gaming experience for our players every day that could exceed the day before. However, we’ve come to the conclusion that it would be difficult to continue maintaining the app experience, and to therefore end the app service. Our remaining time together may be short, but we hope to see you in Echoes of Mana still as we continue to bring exciting content and updates that you’re sure to enjoy.”

As of today, players can no longer purchase “Spirit Crystals” and are encouraged to spend all that they currently have in their inventory ahead of the title’s closure in May.

Echoes of Mana is the latest in a myriad of free-to-play, live-service, or gacha titles to abruptly announce coming closures — with many of the affected titles only 12 months or so into their lifespan. The past year has seen similar announcements for a slew of mobile and console RPGs and action games, including Apex Legends Mobile, Crossfire X, Battlefield Mobile, Final Fantasy: The First Soldier, Knockout City, the GO strategy series, Dragalia Lost, Sakura Wars, Tales of Crestoria, Tales of Luminaria, and The Witcher: Monster Slayer.

As previously noted, one would be wise to think on before investing their time, money, and emotions into these endeavors, as more and more titles have seen the plug abruptly pulled on their services. And, in some cases, regardless of whether the release has proven profitable or otherwise.

Chris Moyse

Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s and writing about them since the 1880s. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse