The imminent shutdown of the popular mobile game Travel Frog: China Journey has sparked controversy, with the original Japanese developer, Hit-Point Co., Ltd., releasing a statement denying they initiated the termination of services or related cooperation agreements.
The game’s operator in China, Lingxi Interactive Entertainment (a subsidiary of Alibaba), announced earlier this month that Travel Frog: China Journey would cease operations on December 8, 2026, citing the expiration of IP licensing cooperation as the reason.
Hit-Point Denies Terminating Service
However, a report by Nanfang Metropolis Daily on September 21st revealed a different perspective from Hit-Point. The Japanese company stated, “Our company has not proposed terminating the services of the Chinese version of Travel Frog, nor have we proposed terminating the relevant cooperation agreements. We are currently still communicating and continuously negotiating with relevant parties regarding the future development of Travel Frog in China.”
Disagreement Over Renewal Terms Cited
Sources close to Lingxi Interactive Entertainment, as reported by Nanfang Metropolis Daily, indicated that the decision to cease operations was indeed due to the expiration of the IP authorization. The primary reason for not renewing the contract was a failure to reach an agreement between the two parties.
According to these sources, during the renewal process, the IP holder (Hit-Point) proposed contract terms that were significantly more stringent than previous agreements. Furthermore, these proposed terms reportedly aimed to strip Lingxi Interactive Entertainment of its rights to conduct normal operational activities, such as organizing joint promotional events and managing peripheral services.
Travel Frog: A Phenomenon in China
Released by Hit-Point in late 2017, Travel Frog (originally 《旅行青蛙》) became a cultural phenomenon in China. Its unique “Buddha-like frog raising” gameplay, characterized by its low-intensity, casual, and non-grind approach, resonated deeply with Chinese players. The game gained immense popularity in China shortly after its release.
In April 2018, Alibaba Group announced a strategic partnership with Hit-Point, securing the exclusive rights to distribute the mobile game Travel Frog: China Journey in mainland China through its Lingxi Interactive Entertainment division.
Future Uncertain
The conflicting statements from Hit-Point and insights from individuals close to Lingxi Interactive Entertainment paint a picture of a complex negotiation breakdown. While the official announcement cites IP expiration, the details suggest a significant divergence in expectations for the renewal, potentially leading to the game’s cessation in China.
Hit-Point’s assertion that they are still in communication and negotiation implies that a resolution might still be possible, although the reported demands for renewal suggest a challenging path ahead. Players in China are left in limbo as the future of their beloved virtual frog remains uncertain amidst these discussions.
