Square Enix used its Dragon Quest 35th anniversary livestream on May 26, 2021 to lay out a broad slate of franchise projects, spanning mainline development, spin-offs, remakes and online-content updates.
The Dragon Quest series—first released in Japan in 1986—has become one of the most enduring JRPG brands, and the anniversary broadcast provided an early look at how the publisher plans to expand the IP across platforms and formats.
Key announcements
Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate
Square Enix confirmed development of Dragon Quest XII and characterized the upcoming mainline entry as taking a darker narrative direction than recent titles.
During the livestream the studio said the game will feature changes to the battle system and allow players to make a wider range of story choices; development was described as being in prototype form at the time of the announcement.
Dragon Quest Treasures
Presented as a non-traditional RPG spin-off, Dragon Quest Treasures stars Erik and Mia—characters introduced in Dragon Quest XI—and focuses on adventure and treasure hunting rather than direct continuation of the mainline story.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Square Enix revealed a remake of Dragon Quest III using an “HD-2D” visual approach that blends classic 2D pixel art with three-dimensional rendering to create enhanced depth and presentation for the title originally released on the NES.
Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi (mobile)
A new mobile entry, titled Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi, was announced for launch in Japan first with a worldwide release window to be announced later.
Square Enix positioned the project as a smartphone-focused title in the franchise lineup.
Dragon Quest X Online updates and offline version
The livestream also confirmed Episode Six content for Dragon Quest X Online and announced plans for an offline version of Dragon Quest X.
Square Enix presented the offline build as a standalone way to experience the game’s narrative without persistent online requirements.
What was confirmed and what remains open
The livestream served primarily to establish the scope of ongoing Dragon Quest development rather than to set release dates or platform windows.
Square Enix's statements focused on creative direction—such as Dragon Quest XII’s darker tone and battle-system revisions—and on bringing legacy and side-story entries to modern platforms and mobile devices.
Square Enix’s 35th anniversary broadcast provided a substantive roadmap for fans and industry observers, with more detailed release information and platform specifics expected in future announcements.
For now, these confirmed projects represent the company’s immediate priorities for the Dragon Quest brand.
The Dragon Quest series—first released in Japan in 1986—has become one of the most enduring JRPG brands, and the anniversary broadcast provided an early look at how the publisher plans to expand the IP across platforms and formats.
Key announcements
Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate
Square Enix confirmed development of Dragon Quest XII and characterized the upcoming mainline entry as taking a darker narrative direction than recent titles.
During the livestream the studio said the game will feature changes to the battle system and allow players to make a wider range of story choices; development was described as being in prototype form at the time of the announcement.
Dragon Quest Treasures
Presented as a non-traditional RPG spin-off, Dragon Quest Treasures stars Erik and Mia—characters introduced in Dragon Quest XI—and focuses on adventure and treasure hunting rather than direct continuation of the mainline story.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Square Enix revealed a remake of Dragon Quest III using an “HD-2D” visual approach that blends classic 2D pixel art with three-dimensional rendering to create enhanced depth and presentation for the title originally released on the NES.
Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi (mobile)
A new mobile entry, titled Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi, was announced for launch in Japan first with a worldwide release window to be announced later.
Square Enix positioned the project as a smartphone-focused title in the franchise lineup.
Dragon Quest X Online updates and offline version
The livestream also confirmed Episode Six content for Dragon Quest X Online and announced plans for an offline version of Dragon Quest X.
Square Enix presented the offline build as a standalone way to experience the game’s narrative without persistent online requirements.
What was confirmed and what remains open
The livestream served primarily to establish the scope of ongoing Dragon Quest development rather than to set release dates or platform windows.
Square Enix's statements focused on creative direction—such as Dragon Quest XII’s darker tone and battle-system revisions—and on bringing legacy and side-story entries to modern platforms and mobile devices.
Square Enix’s 35th anniversary broadcast provided a substantive roadmap for fans and industry observers, with more detailed release information and platform specifics expected in future announcements.
For now, these confirmed projects represent the company’s immediate priorities for the Dragon Quest brand.