Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary: Yuji Horii Confirms May 27, 2026 Square Enix Live Stream Announcement

Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest franchise, has confirmed that Square Enix will host a livestream on May 27, 2026, during which the publisher plans to announce the series’ next major entry and other related news.

Horii made the comments on the KosoKoso podcast (a recording that has since been made private), tying the live stream to the franchise’s milestone 40th anniversary.

Background and context

Dragon Quest first launched in Japan on May 27, 1986, a date that makes May 27, 2026 the 40th anniversary of the series.

Over four decades, Dragon Quest has become one of Japan’s best-known RPG brands, shepherded from its inception by writer and designer Yuji Horii and developed primarily by Square Enix and its predecessor companies.

The series has appeared on numerous platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, and remains a major property for Square Enix.

What Horii said (rewritten)

Horii told podcast listeners that Square Enix will use the May 27 livestream to announce the next Dragon Quest title, and he added that the company plans to reveal several other items in the same broadcast.

In journalistic terms: Horii said the live stream will include an official announcement of the next entry in the Dragon Quest franchise and additional related announcements.

Verified facts and recent history

- Dragon Quest debuted on May 27, 1986 in Japan; May 27, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary.

- Horii’s comments about a May 27, 2026 live stream were made publicly on the KosoKoso podcast (the episode is currently private).

- The Dragon Quest XII project was announced several years ago and has not received a full public reveal with playable footage or a release date.

- Square Enix has been active in recent years with remakes and remasters across its catalog, keeping the company visible as it prepares major announcements.

Platform notes and community expectations

There have also been industry reports suggesting Dragon Quest XI S could appear on the next-generation Nintendo Switch hardware, often referred to in coverage as Nintendo Switch 2, though Square Enix has not confirmed such ports.

Fans and industry watchers will be looking to the May 27 livestream for definitive platform, release date, and development details.

Square Enix’s May 27 broadcast will be closely watched by players, Nintendo partners, and the broader RPG community.

Readers can share what they hope to see from Dragon Quest’s 40th anniversary coverage in the comments.