Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Plans to Work on the Series Until Its 50th Anniversary
Few names in gaming are as synonymous with their creation as Yuji Horii is with Dragon Quest.
Since launching the beloved RPG series in 1986, Horii has become a central figure in Japanese game development, guiding the franchise through over three decades of innovation and evolution across multiple Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.
Now, as Dragon Quest continues to expand with HD-2D remakes and new titles, Horii reaffirms his enduring commitment to overseeing the future of the series. In a recent interview with Game Informer, Horii reflected on his legacy and his hopes for the future of Dragon Quest.
He explained that, while he has gradually delegated more aspects of development to younger team members, his desire to remain directly involved with every installment remains unwavering. "In recent years, I’ve increasingly entrusted certain facets of Dragon Quest games to other members of the team," Horii told Game Informer.
"Still, I want to be involved in all aspects to ensure consistency.
I consider Dragon Quest to be like my own child, and this deep affection motivates me to keep contributing as long as possible.
Looking ahead, my next significant objective is to witness the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2036." The Dragon Quest series continues to thrive, both in Japan and globally.
Following the widely acclaimed release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake in 2023, Square Enix has already launched Dragon Quest 1 & 2D HD-2D Remake, revitalizing classic entries for a new generation of Nintendo Switch players.
The momentum is set to continue into 2025 with Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, which will arrive on both the Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 in February, further cementing the series’ legacy on Nintendo platforms and the eShop. Yuji Horii’s career is characterized by his passionate stewardship of Dragon Quest, from its Famicom origins to its modern Switch releases.
With global sales surpassing 82 million units as of 2023, the franchise stands among gaming’s most influential legacies.
Under Horii’s guidance, Dragon Quest not only remains relevant but continues to set benchmarks in RPG design and storytelling. As the series moves toward its half-century milestone, Horii’s ongoing commitment ensures that the creative vision behind Dragon Quest will endure.
Fans can look forward to future updates, remakes, and innovations that honor the past while embracing new possibilities on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
Since launching the beloved RPG series in 1986, Horii has become a central figure in Japanese game development, guiding the franchise through over three decades of innovation and evolution across multiple Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.
Now, as Dragon Quest continues to expand with HD-2D remakes and new titles, Horii reaffirms his enduring commitment to overseeing the future of the series. In a recent interview with Game Informer, Horii reflected on his legacy and his hopes for the future of Dragon Quest.
He explained that, while he has gradually delegated more aspects of development to younger team members, his desire to remain directly involved with every installment remains unwavering. "In recent years, I’ve increasingly entrusted certain facets of Dragon Quest games to other members of the team," Horii told Game Informer.
"Still, I want to be involved in all aspects to ensure consistency.
I consider Dragon Quest to be like my own child, and this deep affection motivates me to keep contributing as long as possible.
Looking ahead, my next significant objective is to witness the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2036." The Dragon Quest series continues to thrive, both in Japan and globally.
Following the widely acclaimed release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake in 2023, Square Enix has already launched Dragon Quest 1 & 2D HD-2D Remake, revitalizing classic entries for a new generation of Nintendo Switch players.
The momentum is set to continue into 2025 with Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, which will arrive on both the Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 in February, further cementing the series’ legacy on Nintendo platforms and the eShop. Yuji Horii’s career is characterized by his passionate stewardship of Dragon Quest, from its Famicom origins to its modern Switch releases.
With global sales surpassing 82 million units as of 2023, the franchise stands among gaming’s most influential legacies.
Under Horii’s guidance, Dragon Quest not only remains relevant but continues to set benchmarks in RPG design and storytelling. As the series moves toward its half-century milestone, Horii’s ongoing commitment ensures that the creative vision behind Dragon Quest will endure.
Fans can look forward to future updates, remakes, and innovations that honor the past while embracing new possibilities on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
