Dragon Quest 12: Square Enix Confirms Continued Development Ahead of Nintendo Switch Successor

Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate remains one of the most highly anticipated Japanese RPGs on the horizon, as Square Enix continues its work on the next mainline entry in one of gaming’s most storied franchises.

Originally unveiled in 2021 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series, development has proceeded quietly, leaving series fans eager for new updates from the legendary developer. In a recent interview with Gamereactor, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii offered a rare update on the status of Dragon Quest 12.

While careful not to reveal specifics, Horii reaffirmed the project’s active development, stating that he and his team are “putting lots of work” into the game.

He emphasized that, while unable to disclose further details at present, fans should anticipate the next installment to be another substantial achievement for the franchise.

Linking back to his longstanding commitment to quality, Horii said his only message for fans is to “look forward to it.” Dragon Quest 12 marks the next major entry following the critically acclaimed Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age, which launched on multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch and achieved over six million units in global sales.

The continued success of the series underlines Square Enix’s expertise in delivering high-quality, turn-based RPG experiences that resonate across generations of gamers. Notably, when asked about the possibility of Dragon Quest 12’s compatibility with Nintendo’s next-generation hardware—commonly referred to as Switch 2—Yuji Horii affirmed that it could indeed be compatible with the upcoming console.

This remark signals Square Enix’s intent to support new hardware and ensure Dragon Quest reaches audiences on Nintendo’s latest platforms via the Nintendo Switch 2 and the eShop digital marketplace. Although details about gameplay, narrative, or release timeline remain under wraps, the confirmation of ongoing development and future platform considerations offers assurance to fans waiting for the next chapter in this seminal RPG saga.

As Square Enix continues to develop Dragon Quest 12, players can revisit past titles via the Nintendo Switch or stay tuned to upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations for official announcements about the franchise’s future. The Dragon Quest series, originally created in 1986, stands as a pillar of the JRPG genre, influencing countless games and maintaining lasting popularity both in Japan and worldwide.

Square Enix’s commitment to quality and Yuji Horii’s hands-on approach bolster expectations for Dragon Quest 12, underscoring its importance within the context of Nintendo’s evolving hardware ecosystem.

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