Yes, Dragon Quest 12 is still in development, says series creator

Fans of the esteemed RPG franchise Dragon Quest can breathe a sigh of relief, as series creator Yuji Horii has reassured the gaming community that Dragon Quest 12 remains in active development. Despite its initial announcement in 2021, the much-anticipated game has largely remained shrouded in mystery, with only a teaser trailer providing a glimpse of what’s to come.

In a recent livestream event hosted by Horii with radio show group KosoKoso Hōsō Kyoku, he offered hope to fans by confirming that the team is diligently working on the upcoming installment. Though precise details about the game remain elusive, Horii indicated that updates will begin to trickle out gradually over time.

Previously, in May last year, Horii acknowledged Dragon Quest 12 on social media. He mentioned that the development team aimed to honor the final contributions of two pivotal figures who had passed away—Akira Toriyama, the renowned character designer, and Koichi Sugiyama, the beloved composer who had been instrumental across the series’ history.

The announcement emerged soon after Yu Miyake, the long-standing producer of the Dragon Quest series, transitioned from his role to take on responsibilities within Square Enix’s mobile game division. This shift stirred concerns regarding the status of Dragon Quest 12’s development. However, Horii’s recent statements have dispelled any rumors of a cancellation, underscoring the project’s continued progress.

While specifics about the game are scant, Horii noted during the franchise’s 35th anniversary livestream that there will be modifications to the traditional turn-based battle system, alongside a darker narrative tone designed to appeal to a more mature audience.

Meanwhile, Square Enix has reported impressive performance for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which has surpassed sales projections. The game recorded two million copies sold, emerging as Japan’s top game of 2024 shortly after its release. Similarly styled remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 are anticipated to launch this year, further building excitement for the series’ forthcoming main installment.

With a steadfast fanbase eagerly awaiting Dragon Quest 12, it is expected to carry forward the franchise’s legacy of compelling storytelling and immersive gameplay. Stay tuned as more information about this long-awaited title is gradually unveiled.