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Foreword: A decade of honing the blade—will 2026 be Sony's year of destiny?
For the vast majority of RPG players, the name Square Enix (SE) evokes a mix of love and frustration. The love stems from their portfolio of countless classic IPs, while the frustration comes from development timelines that leave fans waiting with bated breath.Recently, according to Nintendo Life, SE made a grand announcement during its latest shareholder meeting and future outlook: 2026 will be an extremely pivotal year for the company. Not only will it mark the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series, but major developments also appear to be in store for NieR and Final Fantasy.However, while releasing the news, officials also added a caveat: "Don't get too excited just yet." This "teasing" strategy—is it merely building suspense, or does it mean development progress is still nowhere near completion? Let's find out.
Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary: The Next Chapter for the Nation's Beloved RPG
2026 marks a major milestone for Japan's gaming industry as the Dragon Quest series celebrates its 40th anniversary. As Japan's "national RPG," each mainline installment has sparked a social phenomenon. Here are the key developments currently known:
- Dragon Quest XII: The Chosen Destiny's Flame: Since its announcement in 2021, this title has remained largely under wraps. While producer Yuji Horii has confirmed development is ongoing, details about its progress have been kept strictly confidential. 2026 appears to be the prime window for this dark-themed new entry to finally make its official debut—and potentially launch.
- Paving the Way for Classic Remakes: With the release of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remaster, SE is clearly warming up for its 40th anniversary, aiming to reignite the passion of longtime fans while capturing the attention of a new generation.
【Viewpoint Commentary】The Dragon Quest series has always followed a steady and reliable approach, but with the extended development cycles of today's AAA titles, balancing "nostalgia" and "innovation" presents Square Enix's greatest challenge. If the twelfth installment can be successfully released in 2026, it would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for boosting Square Enix's stock price and morale.
NieR and Final Fantasy: The Ripple Effect of Anniversary Celebrations
Beyond Dragon Quest, 2026 also marks a significant milestone for other major titles. Within Square Enix, it seems an "anniversary brawl" is brewing:
- The Future of the NieR Series: Led by Yoko Taro, the NieR franchise has kept fans eagerly awaiting a sequel since the massive success of NieR: Automata. While details remain shrouded in mystery, 2026 marks a significant milestone for the series, making it highly likely the development team will unveil a "surprise."
- Final Fantasy's Long-Term Strategy: With the critical acclaim of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, players' attention has now shifted to the third installment of the remastered trilogy. While the finished product may not be playable until 2026, this year is highly likely to be a pivotal one for announcements.
【Viewpoint Commentary】The simultaneous push of these three major IPs demonstrates SE's determination to reverse its recent profit volatility. This isn't merely "old wine in new bottles," but rather an effort to "take its core competencies to the next level."
Why are officials telling everyone "not to get too excited"?
This statement may sound like a cold shower, but it actually reflects SE's current strategic shift. In the past, SE often found itself mired in the quagmire of "announcing projects prematurely yet delaying their release," which damaged the brand's credibility. Now their approach is:
- To be perfectly honest, let's avoid setting expectations too high: Game development is a long and arduous process, especially for high-quality titles. The developers are giving players a heads-up in advance to prevent excessive speculation, which could lead to disappointment when the final product falls short of expectations.
- Multi-Platform Strategic Shift: SE recently announced it will abandon its exclusive strategy on certain platforms and transition to multi-platform releases. This means games will require more time for platform-specific optimization to ensure no repeat of the performance disasters seen at launch.
Conclusion: 2026—What Are We Waiting For?
In summary, SE's 2026 lineup isn't just about celebrating anniversaries—it's about reclaiming lost ground in the fiercely competitive gaming market. While the company urges us not to get too excited, for players who grew up with these games, it's no secret what's coming. Everyone knows the big move is about to drop.We recommend players maintain a level-headed approach for now and simply enjoy the game as it stands. After all, quality games are worth the wait. Rather than rushing out an unfinished product, it's better to let the development team refine it meticulously—so they can deliver a genuine surprise when the time comes.Dear readers, which title are you most excited to see shine in 2026? Is it Dragon Quest XII or the new entry in the NieR series? Share your thoughts in the comments section!“
