The dark fantasy mobile game Evil Prince and the Puppet (also known as Akuaya) will end its service on January 31, 2025, just shy of its 8-month anniversary. Despite its ambitious launch earlier this year, the game struggled to find footing, facing criticism for its heavy reliance on pay-to-win mechanics and repetitive events. The official announcement confirms no offline version will be available post-shutdown, but refunds for unused paid crystals will be offered through May 2025.
Players logging in until the service ends will receive 300 free crystals daily as part of the farewell period. However, with no reruns or archival options for in-game stories, fans will have limited opportunities to revisit the narrative. Merchandise collaborations are reportedly still planned, offering a bittersweet reminder of the game’s short-lived presence in the market.
This come with mixed reactions in japanese boards, with many citing poor management and monetization as reasons for the game’s decline. As Evil Prince and the Puppet prepares to shut its doors, fans are left reflecting on what could have been for a title that, while visually stunning, failed to meet expectations in execution and generosity. You can get more updates in the official X/Twitter website. Here is the iOS App Store link and the Android Google Play Store.
