NPIXEL has officially announced the closure of Gran Saga, concluding its brief international journey. The game will cease operations on April 30th, 2025, and in-app purchases (IAPs) along with new downloads have already been disabled.
Originally launched in Japan in 2021 with considerable success, Gran Saga's global version only went live in November 2024. Unfortunately, it managed to survive for just six months before the decision to shut down was made.
The closure appears to stem from financial challenges and difficulties in maintaining a sustainable service model. Although Gran Saga showed promise at the outset, it struggled to secure a significant market share in the highly competitive global landscape.
The mobile gaming genre is dominated by well-established titles with loyal followings, making it challenging for newcomers to gain traction without introducing revolutionary elements. Despite its initial popularity in Japan, Gran Saga couldn't replicate that success on a global scale, leading to its premature end.
This closure reflects a broader trend of gacha RPGs facing shutdowns. Just last month, I discussed the closure of My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero, which was not an isolated incident. Numerous other games have succumbed to the pressures of an oversaturated market. With so many choices, players often remain loyal to familiar titles, making it difficult for new or niche games to establish a lasting presence.
For those who have recently made purchases and are seeking refunds, you have until May 30th to submit your requests. Please note that refunds may not be possible if you've already utilized your purchases or if other store policies apply.
If you spent time exploring the world of Ethprozen, this farewell is undoubtedly difficult, but it's an increasingly common occurrence in the mobile gaming industry.
For those looking for a new game to dive into, you can explore our curated list of the best MMOs to play on Android to find a suitable replacement!