Dragon Quest 12 Was Announced 4 Years Ago – What Happened?

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Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age came out in 2017, and ever since, fans have been really hoping for the next major installment. Square Enix initially announced Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate back in 2021, but after four years, very little has been shared about the game. While there was a lot of buzz when it was first revealed, that excitement is starting to dwindle with each passing year. Dragon Quest is one of Square Enix’s most popular series – alongside Final Fantasy – and that makes the wait even more difficult, leaving fans curious about the status of the game.

Development of core Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy games has traditionally taken a longer time. However, with four years having passed since we last heard about the game, I’m starting to suspect there might be significant problems within the development team, or perhaps Square Enix is finding it difficult to create a worthy successor to Dragon Quest XI.

A Four-Year Silence That Fans Didn’t Expect

It’s been four years since the initial announcement, and the silence surrounding Dragon Quest XII is starting to feel noticeable. We only know for certain that this installment will be more mature and darker in tone than previous games, as Square Enix stated when they first revealed it. However, even that detail leaves room for interpretation. Will the game have a more realistic and gritty art style? Will the narrative explore more complex and challenging ethical issues? Or will it simply be a more serious experience compared to the generally cheerful nature of earlier Dragon Quest titles?

It’s unknown what’s happening with the game, and while Square Enix isn’t obligated to share information, fans would appreciate an update. I’m getting frustrated with the constant message that “the game is being worked on” because that’s all the developer ever says. Every time a big event happens, such as Tokyo Game Show or the Video Game Awards, I hope to hear something about Dragon Quest XII, but so far, nothing has been announced.

It’s disheartening to see how many projects Square Enix has going on, particularly within the Dragon Quest series. We’ve already had remakes of Dragon Quest I, Dragon Quest II, Dragon Quest III, and now a remake of Dragon Quest VII is coming soon. However, that same level of focus doesn’t seem to be directed towards the next major installment, or at least, not that we know of. While I enjoy seeing classic games updated, both I and other fans are eager for some news about Dragon Quest XII.

What We Actually Know About Dragon Quest 12

Not much is known about Dragon Quest XII due to the limited updates. However, Yuji Horii, the creator of the Dragon Quest series, has shared a few confirmed details. He’s described the upcoming game as being a more mature and darker installment, and expressed confidence that it will be excellent upon completion. We also know it’s being developed using Unreal Engine 5. Beyond that, the only other information available is that there have been some internal development delays, but progress is still being made.

People are starting to talk about the one confirmed detail: the next installment will be noticeably darker and more serious. This is a big change for a series usually known for its humor. Fans are used to seeing fun monster designs, a positive outlook, and vibrant artwork. Horii’s comments suggest a significant shift in the series’ overall mood, which might explain why the game has taken so long to develop. Square Enix is trying something new, and it could be a challenge – that might be why they haven’t shared much about the game yet.

Aside from that, fans are still in the dark about how battles will work. While many recent games have moved away from turn-based combat, Dragon Quest has consistently stuck with it. That doesn’t guarantee it won’t evolve, but I’m hoping it stays true to its roots. We’re also unsure about the story or whether the game will feature voice acting. It’s possible the game will focus on a more cinematic style of storytelling. Only time will tell when we’ll find out for sure.

The Pressure of Following Up Dragon Quest 11

There’s no doubt that the team working on the next Dragon Quest game faces significant pressure. Dragon Quest XI is widely regarded as a highlight of the series and was incredibly successful, so expectations for Dragon Quest XII are high. Echoes of an Elusive Age successfully blended classic elements with modern improvements, delivering a large-scale story, familiar turn-based battles, and features that keep the game enjoyable for years to come.

Dragon Quest XI was a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers, so expectations are high for the next major installment. This puts Square Enix in a difficult position, which is likely why they haven’t shared much information about Dragon Quest XII yet. If they try to make it too dark or adult, they risk changing what makes the Dragon Quest series special. However, if they don’t introduce enough new ideas, the game might not be memorable.

Square Enix has had varying levels of success with its recent games. Forspoken didn’t perform well when it launched and received mostly negative feedback, but Final Fantasy VII Remake was a critical and commercial hit. Looking ahead with games like Dragon Quest XII and even Final Fantasy XVII, Square Enix needs to make smart choices. While it’s understandable that they want to keep details secret, fans deserve an update on Dragon Quest XII after waiting for four years.

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2025-10-02 21:12