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In 2010, Bandai Namco launched .hack // Link for PSP in Japan, developed by CyberConnect2, but never came to the west.
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In 2010, Bandai Namco (then called Namco Bandai) launched .hack // Link for PSP in Japan, developed by CyberConnect2, but never came to the west.
The developer’s vocal president, Hiroshi Matsuyama, went to YouTube to explain not only why the game was released for PSP instead of PS2 or PS3, but also why it was never released.
The choice of the platform boiled down to the success of the PSP in Japan, as the possibility of a worldwide launch was a secondary one at that time.
The game also had a more accessible concept compared to its predecessor, in order to tempt younger players to try the franchise after its existing fan base grew older.
As to why the game has never been localized, it’s really that simple. American and European weapons from Bandai Namco did not want it because it was for the PSP PSP, which was not a very successful platform in the West.
Matsuyama mentioned that, in retrospect, the developer should probably have reconsidered the choice of platform.
You can watch the video below, making sure to enable subtitles.
At the moment, there is no indication that the .hack series could see a revival, even though I certainly hope.
On the other hand, CyberConnect2 is currently working on a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba game for PS4, due out this year.