Kingdom Hearts Celebrates 24th Anniversary with New Artwork from Tetsuya Nomura

Kingdom Hearts, the acclaimed action role-playing series developed by Square Enix, has officially marked its 24th anniversary.

In celebration of this milestone, the series’ legendary director, Tetsuya Nomura, has shared new Kingdom Hearts-themed artwork, stirring excitement among its devoted fanbase and reaffirming the franchise’s ongoing cultural significance.

Kingdom Hearts debuted on March 28, 2002, as a result of an ambitious collaboration between Square Enix and Disney Interactive.

Blending characters from Disney’s cinematic universe with the company’s iconic Final Fantasy lineage, the series quickly resonated with players for its inventive gameplay and imaginative storytelling.

Since the original release, the franchise has expanded across multiple platforms—including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and, most recently, the Nintendo Switch via cloud editions—amassing over 36 million units sold worldwide as of 2023.

In a recent update posted on social media, Tetsuya Nomura shared newly illustrated art showcasing the character Xehanort, one of the saga’s central figures.

Nomura accompanied the artwork with a message to the Kingdom Hearts community, expressing gratitude and hinting at upcoming celebrations: “We are hard at work preparing for the 25th anniversary next year.

Thank you for your continued support.”

This gesture highlights Square Enix’s ongoing commitment to the Kingdom Hearts series, as the development team readies itself for the much-anticipated 25th-anniversary festivities in 2025.

While specific details have yet to be announced, the franchise’s history of special events, merchandise, and digital releases hints at a significant year ahead.

Kingdom Hearts’ presence on Nintendo hardware continues to grow, with the complete collection—Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III—available for Nintendo Switch through cloud streaming on the eShop.

These launches have introduced the franchise to a new generation of players and solidified its standing within the hybrid console’s robust library.

As Kingdom Hearts enters its 24th year, its devoted audience remains as passionate as ever.

Tetsuya Nomura’s tribute and Square Enix’s steadfast dedication ensure that the magic of Kingdom Hearts will continue to captivate fans around the globe, especially as the series sets its sights on celebrating a quarter-century of unforgettable adventures in 2025.

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