The European release of Nintendo 3DS role-playing game Rune Factory 4 has been cancelled, MarvelousAQL has announced.

MarvelousAQL Europe issued the following statement to Eurogamer:

"We regret to inform you that the European release of Rune Factory 4 for Nintendo 3DS has been cancelled.

"While MarvelousAQL has made every effort to secure the title's release for this territory, it is, unfortunately, not possible to do so at this time.

"MAQL and MAQL Europe would like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm for their European releases. Please look forward to announcements on new MAQL titles over the coming months."

While MarvelousAQL declined to explain the decision, it may have something to do with last year's closure of Rune Factory developer Neverland after it declared itself bankrupt.

Rune Factory began life as a spin-off of farming sim Harvest Moon, albeit one where you could wield a sword and battle monsters.

Four numbered titles have been released to date for DS and 3DS. Rune Factory 4, already released in Japan and North America, was due to arrive in Europe in spring 2014.