'Balan Wonderworld' is released to overwhelmingly negative reviews. Critics criticize the game's controls, level design, and overall lack of polish. The game is a commercial failure.

Yuji Naka announces his departure from Square Enix shortly after the release of 'Balan Wonderworld.' The exact reasons for his departure are not fully disclosed at the time, but the game's negative reception is widely believed to be a contributing factor.