Square Enix Silent On Switch Dragon Quest XI Due To "Adult Circumstances"

I need this game for Switch in my life. I'm holding off on purchasing it on PS4. They better give a date soon.

Looking forward to this game. Played Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2 and those were the first games I played in the franchise. Excited to try a "proper" DQ game, hopefully it comes west this year.

I'll wait for the Switch version, though the 3DS version with two graphic versions going on separate screens looked rad. Well, what about the Swit- "hush yo mouth while grown ups are developing!"

Ok geez! Sorry! I'll go to my room and play.

As an adult, I would like to be privy to these circumstances.

Guess I tweeted to the wrong NL writer, TW must be sleeping after the 3AM reveal.

Hey @damo you should also mention DQX on Switch is download code only in the Japanese box. (That's what I read on twitter anyway, seems related, same source as you)

I just hit you up with this on Twitter @Spoony_tech funny timing huh? 😆

If I had to guess, the "circumstances of adults" probably means that Sony shelled out some cash to get a home console exclusive window once they saw how the Switch was dominating Japan and didn't want the title launching on PS4/Switch at the same time. I have no doubt that the Switch version would've murdered sales of the PS4 version and Sony wants a nice 6 month (maybe even a year) period to ensure their version sells well (after all, the title is absolutely going to move consoles over there). If the title gets released outside of Japan, it will probably launch on everything simultaneously seeing as the series doesn't do as well so that advantage won't matter but in Japan, Dragon Quest dominates.

That probably means bureaucratic and business nonsense. Like Sony paid them to keep the PS4 version a timed exclusive or something.

What if Yuji Hori spoke too soon about the Switch version?
Perhaps that was not something Square (or Nintendo?) wanted to be leaked at that time?

I read "adult circumstances" in the headline and my mind thinks of something completely different 😄😄😄

The switch version will have exclusive adult content

Reads like contractual hell in some form. Probably on the Nintendo side, since they're notoriously hard to work with.

At first I thought this meant they had to rework some racy content or something for the Nintendo platform lol

Weird and semi-ridiculous. Especially if it's becoming a Sony console timed exclusive. It always turns me off to a game when that happens. Might as well just drop the 3DS and PS4 version if that's the case.

Kiss Dragon Quest XI goodbye even though it was supposed to be a huge release for Switch. Oh sorry guys our mistake. Plus we will never see Dragon Quest X in North America. I guess it's just time to move on from the Dragon Quest series and enjoy it like 8 years from now when it gets a special classics games release on Nintendos next Gen Console The Twitch......lol

I'll go with the 3DS version anyways if a western release is announced.

So basically either Sony or Nintendo is paying them to keep quiet about it.

@Windy Jumping to conclusions much?

@IceClimbers yep but going by the past. But please let me be wrong! lol

Sorry about the Downer post. I am so excited about Dragon Quest XI and extremely frustrated with DQ X. Dragon Quest X should have been released in North America on Wii. I don't care what anyone says it would have sold systems with it online play. But Nintendo hates the online. They still haven't proved to me yet (switch owner) that they are dedicated to online yet. Dragon Quest XI will come out for sure I think.

It doesnt really matter. If switch release dates are continually hidden and delayed post ps4 dates then they may as well pick a foot and shoot it. Switches success depends upon simultaneous release dates becauwe there are a metric donkey poop tonne more ps4 consoles out in the wild ready to go.

How do you say "jumping to conclusions and speculating based on poor translations and bad English from Japanese game company officials" in Japanese?

"Perhaps Nintendo wishes to include Dragon Quest XI in part of its E3 presentation, and is keeping it out of sight for maximum impact."

For some reason, this is the conclusion I reached. Not that I will be right, but it would be cool to see the Switch version at E3 with a solid release date. I'd love to get DQ XI on Switch this year, localized for NA. I need that in my life.

@TreonsRealm Thought the same. Sony doesn't want to lose the place of the PS4 as a great Japanese RPG (Im still surprised that I see Kingdom Hearts coming to teh Sony's console routinely and not to Nintendo's home consoles). Maybe they are working a way around it but if that's the case, we should wait 6 extra months for the Switch version.

I hope it's not because the switch version is inferior to the PS4. I was hoping to buy it on switch as I like the ability to play a game in bursts throughout the day, then dig in when I get home. Especially with a DQ game, which I am sure will be lengthy.

@Masurao If you watch the live stream, it's really not a serious comment he is making. He basically is just saying when the time comes, they can talk but not yet. It would be impossible for them to not release it on Switch after it's been made public to everyone. Also if it was seriously not coming, they would make the topic off limits for their own talks and not write Nintendo Switch version in the description of the YouTube video. I don't think people need to freak out that much. xD

If I find out Sony has anything to do with this and it ends up a delayed release as a result of their meddling, I'll sell my PS4 and never touch another PlayStation product again. Lot of whispers of them trying to cockblock Switch releases of late, and I don't like it. I care about this console greatly because I really enjoy it. Anyone actively attempting to sabotage it will not see another dollar from my wallet, and I've got a pretty fat wallet.

That said, if all that turns out to be hogwash and they're not playing dirty, then no harm no foul, and I'll gladly pick up the PS4 version too just to show support. Chances are it's probably Nintendo stooging themselves. Thinking it would make for a better e3 lineup or something. Maybe that's the smart play, Idk, but it sure would be nice to at least have a couple games that don't have strings attached for once.

Ah, the wonderful world of adults and corporate censorship.

Considering that even the 3DS version is launching later than PS4 in Japan, I can believe that there's a business deal in the middle. Between this, and all the MH rumors, it seems Sony isn't too happy about not leading in Japan even if they don't need it. A timed exclusive would be way of trying to recover ground.

We'll have more info at E3, or at most, at TGS.

Y'all lets calm down until we get an official word. We know the switch version is on the way. Just be patient. There is likely an NDA in place anyway.

I'm buying both the 3DS and Switch versions.

Ummmm, IGN had footage hours ago of the game being played on the Switch console in handheld mode meaning this story is kind of embarrassing for you guys!

I'll be waiting patiently for news to come. If it's finally canceled, I'll just move to the PS4 version. Tired of playing DQ games on handhelds, that's why a Switch version would be so awesome.

I need an adult?

This article needs to be updated. IGN has confirmed a Switch launch date on September 21 (Japan).

Japan is still the primary market for DQ games. I can't imagine they'd have this sort of radio silence for the Switch version just for the sake of a Western-focused trade show presentation.

@SBandy @JTMnM darlings, IGN was reporting on Dragon Quest X. An MMO, if I recall correctly. Entirely different game.

i swear if square doesnt bring this over there be angry mobs with pitchforks.

@Ralizah You're absolutely right. My mistake.

@JTMnM Such a pity we'll likely never get to play that in the West.

think they're being tight-lipped about it because there might be a PC release? Sonic Mania had its PC release date leaked by Steam, and NIS didn't even wait less than a day from Disgaea 5's release before announcing its PC release. i just assume its more of a "we don't want to backstab Nintendo" thing because Japan is DQ's largest fanbase.

Eventhough with the whole Dragon Quest VII/VIII 3DS western releases, and also announcing Dragon Quest Heroes 1+2 and (a port of) Dragon Quest XI (for the 3DS) they're probably just worried about muddying things with stuff like framerate or graphical drops. Japan might be more tolerant about differences, but this is Dragon Quest, it's a pretty hot button thing.

Just changing the battle system caused mass amazonbombs for IX, before changing back to having overworld monsters, but battles being the same with you actually seeing the characters jumping and doing hits. instead of being (potentially) a strategized/real time Dragon Quest game.

If this game comes to the switch, I'll pick this up. Haven't played a dragon quest game since Nes.

Does this need to become a HBO series? I figure Sony is pushing for timed exclusivity, because even though I have loved my PS4 for years, that is what they would do. I would prefer it on the Swithx, I would prefer every rough on the switch because I feel the Switch is the best platform for a guy that works, goes to shxool, And has a girlfriend to attempt to put 60+ hours into a game.

We will see.

My guess is E3. I'll be stunned if it's not there. I'm thinking "global release on switch" may be part of the delayed message. Possibly "switch exclusive in regions outside Japan" though that's more a stretch, but psxbox audiences for DQ doesn't seem strong on the West.

If it's not e3 it's business decisions around sales..... but the of awkward circumstance and lack of western announcement Serbs appropriate for that.

@Ralizah if it's associated with Nintendo money, they'd hold it for e3 if Nintendo wanted to use it for that.

Alternately Sony has a chokehold on them.

Pc doesn't make sense though. That wouldn't affect the switch release.

@FriedSquid I am an adult ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
https://s8.postimg.org/rxx9g8xth/hqdefault.jpg

@NEStalgia Doubtful. If anything, Nintendo has been downplaying the importance of E3 in recent years. Moreover, they're not generally known to play the hype game like Sony does outside of a few big core franchises like Zelda, which is why we generally don't even know about upcoming games until they're within a year or so of release. So them putting a gag order on all news related to the Switch version for the sake of some E3 surprise just doesn't make sense to me.

Those grown up reasons are that they want to maximize ps4/3ds sales and want people to double dip after they release the switch version with a new character and/or dungeon
Definitely would be surprised to see DQ at E3, it's more a TGS series.

@Ralizah n hasn't been hyping because they've had nothing to hype for years sort of Zelda. New console and a need for games.... and remember Reggie saying they wanted to make wiiu an rpg console like 3ds? Well they killed it first, but here's switch.

You might be right but the of awkward "open silence" is just weird. If it's coming westward, n WILL hype it add it will be a near-release. Think of how they helped push yokai. They'd love to build a western big series with a lock on it like yokai our mh is. If they don't do it it remains niche. If it's Sony exclusive in the West, i think dq remains a hidden niche.

Nobody panic! E3 is close. Let's keep it together.....
Keep calm and Switch...

@JaxonH
Lol don't be like that, it don't matter if it's a timed exclusive, it will eventually come to switch plus you will have many other switch games to choose from while you wait, looking at you MH and xeno. These scenarios happen all the time, for example shakedown hawai was due to come out on vita already, but Ninty paid for it to be a timed exclusive for switch, now I have to wait. They also did the same for a shooter called something burst that was due out tomorrow on vita and ps4, but Ninty stuck their noses in and now we have to wait till September so it's released on all machines at same time. It's all swings and roundabouts, just business I guess. Well at least Oceanhorn didn't get delayed on vita, came out last week, my next download. Talking of DQ, it annoys me that DQ2 came out for vita a while back in Japan but won't come to the west, this annoys me more than timed exclusives. Tbh we don't know the reason yet what's going on with this DQ game

@UmbreonsPapa
Glad I wasn't the only one thinking that.

Risking our lives to stop rotten adults!

I can't wait! Well... I can. I don't have a Switch yet.

im going to go with the aliens conspiracy theory. Wil it make its way over here anyway or will it be like the wii version.

SE wants people to double/triple dip, so they probably wont talk about the Switch version of DQXI until the PS4 and 3DS versions of the game launch in late July.

@TreonsRealm It's likely because Nintendo is strictly controlling announcements and release dates.

So I guessing it's either getting some exclusivity on PS4 before it appears on other home consoles, or it's Nintendo controlling exactly when details gets released. Doesn't bother me much either way.

Please, Square-enix, dont do the scumbag like you always did. And not get the money from SONY FOR DELETING THE SWITCH VERSION. THANKS.

Busy adults with many important things to do.

I don't think Sony has an exclusive deal. We still have no idea what the switch version actually is. Nobody has yet to confirm if it is the PS4 port or port of 3DS version. Either way I reckon the switch game development was started late.

Terrible from SE to be honest that they haven't said anything yet.

@JaxonH lol. Even if true, it's called business. Did people freak out when Nintendo had the exclusive rights to Bayo 2? Well, actually, yes, so never mind. Things like this are pretty common. Companies get certain rights to bundle a game with their system, advertise a game, exclusive content or even timed exclusives. Hey, at least it'll come to the Switch eventually, and besides, it was originally a 3DS/PS4 game, so maybe Sony already had a deal with Square regarding that version, before the Switch version even was a thing.

It's clearly forgetting to shave in the morning, or brush one's teeth. Pesky daily tasks.

@Octane Beside the fact that Bayo 2 was never going to get made until Nintendo stepped in, the reaction to that was little besides the gaming community being 'forced' to buy/play on Nintendo hardware. I remember that calamity well.

I think what J is trying to say is that this kind of underhanded practice should really be a thing of the past by now. Sure, we probably have Nintendo to blame for a lot of it, but the way this is being handled is pretty poor - the message needs to be clear, otherwise it's always best to keep your damn mouth shut in the first place.

Besides, anyone expecting the PS4 version to outsell the 3DS version (in Japan at least) is beyond deluded. If Sony were THAT bothered, they could have killed any chance of it being a multi-platform release before the 3DS version was even a consideration.

Money talks.

Look, Square Enix, Nintendo and Sony, I don't care what adult shenanigans you get up to in your spare time - just make DQXI happen on the Switch, worldwide, asap. Thank you.

@Iggy-Koopa I wouldn't blame Nintendo or Sony for Square talking about stuff they shouldn't talk about in the first place. Had they never said anything, people would've assumed it was a 3DS/PS4 game and maybe we would've seen a Switch version at a later date, now everyone is expecting a Switch version. We don't even know what version the Switch version will be based on thinking about it. We don't even know if it'll get localised either. I just think it's too early to judge what's going on here either way. Just wait and see is the best approach as of now.

About the timed exclusivity. I don't like it either, but that's just what happens. If Sony doesn't do it, Microsoft will, or Nintendo will. That's just how the world rolls. But timed exclusivity is still always better than fully exclusive.

I think you misunderstood where I believe the blame lies (definitely SE), other than that I agree. Still, it wouldn't make it 'right'.

@Ralizah

Oops! I need to learn how to read!

maybe there is something in it that Nintendo thought was too adult and so they are negotiating on whether they can keep it or have to change it?

@VR32F1END Actually, it stops displaying both after the opening section of the game-- you have to toggle between the two.

Could imagine Sony moneyhatting the advertising for the game, considering DQ's massive status in Japan and the PS4 not doing so hot there.

@NintySnesMan
Ya I know, I was in a grumpy mood when I posted that lol.

Then I passed out 😃

@Octane
I know you're right. Think I was set off because Switch will get so few 3rd party games I truly care about, and the thought of another company who's already stacked to the gills with 3rd party games interfering with the few I want on Switch... like, I don't expect much but I have my heart set on a few that matter to me... it just rubbed me wrong.

We'll count that as my one snarky comment for the year. Usually pretty mellow but combination of being in a bad mood + subject matter being something I truly care about = sometimes me going off the deep end.

Mmmmmmmmmm 'adult circumstances'

@Ralizah Was nice of you to point that out to them, I had to read everything twice last night myself, but it's been that way for about a year now so I'm used to it for those 2 games. Your use of darlings was priceless.

Maybe the adult circumstances is they can't decide whether to use the top or bottom screen of the 3DS version. Maybe you can "switch", sorry, back and forth between the 2 while playing. I don't know why everyone has to go negative all the time.

Oh, and I often find adult circumstances are best dealt with adult beverages, so everybody involved should just deal own a few. Except the guys blathering during the video, they probably had 1 too many.

@JaxonH Well, let's just wait and see. Even if it's coming to Switch, the 3DS and PS4 versions will release earlier anyway. I believe the release date is July in Japan. And I never got the idea that the Switch version would launch the same day. The more I think about it, the less I think Sony paid for exclusivity. For all we know Ninty is saving it for E3, cause plenty of people seem to be under the impression that's what their new strategy is, holding off announcements for their own events.

@Octane
Tbh, I'm just grateful it's coming at all. Should count my blessings.

I actually did think that Nintendo holding this to bolster e3 was a possibility (not a sure 100% prediction, but a possibility that should be considered- because they most definitely do have some surprises, we just don't know which games), or it was started so much later than other versions there's simply nothing to show yet. But these comments make it sound more sinister. Like politics are involved.

@rjejr
What's up bud, sorry I haven't gotten back to you. You gonna hunt with me on Switch in due time? I have a lobby with your name on it 😄

I'm gunna see how that excuse flies at work. "I am late due to adult circumstances". "I ate your lunches due to adult circumstances", "Due to adult circumstances, I will be leaving early and turning off my phone. I cannot comment on the matter anymore at this time. Please be excited."

@JaxonH
I didn't think for one minute you would sell your ps4, thought it was out of charachter for you. Hey you can add me into that lobby to go hunting, like yourself I have a decent size wallet, so I can afford a switch no problem. This month I bought nine physical games, who knows how many next month, should keep a lid on it really, it was good to have today of work though

@NintySnesMan
No I wouldn't. Love games too much. Even if Sony/Nintendo/MS pissed me off to the uttermost, I'd get over it. Could never punish myself by robbing an entire platform of great games, which is what it's all about at the end of the day.

I look forward to hunting! Feel free to add me on PSN too if you want (jaxonholden), just in case PS4 does end up getting a more western-friendly version. And whenever you do get a Switch, send your ID.

9 physical games this month... you might've out done me even lol. Let me see... USFII, Disgaea 5, Farpoint, Darksiders, FE Echoes (2 special editions + normal version)... yep. Unless I factor in new copies of older releases- also bought Yakuza 0, Resident Evil 7 and Job Simulator VR. Did buy a lot of digital titles, a ton actually, and Prey/Injustice 2 I'm waiting for a price drop (waiting for price drops- a new technique I'm testing out, since BestBuy claims I spent over $5,000 last year- all but the 4KTV were game related... and even that was to play games on). It's so hard not to buy day one though. That 20% off with GCU + 6% back using their CC + double reward points is too enticing.

Hey, off topic here, but I haven't been keeping up with Vita for a while now, but I just realized Caligula released, finally? It's called "The Caligula Effect" now? I'm sure you've played it. How is it compared to Persona or Tokyo Mirage Sessions...

I was thinking of the obvious with "adult circumstances" meaning there are understandable concerns about the online nature of the game (which I remember to be an MMORPG, but then again memory could fail me) but all this conspiracy mumbo jumbo got me on the PS4 Bribery Train.

Which, given the adult focus of Nintendo's rivals - an adult focus that sadly Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy will do little about - suddenly makes a frightening amount of sense.

@AlexSora89
You're thinking of DQX, which was an MMORPG. Dragon Quest XI is a single player JRPG. It may have an online competent (not sure if it does or doesn't) but it's new mainline single player entry, just like the first 8 DQ games.

@JaxonH I need Monster Hunter for Dummies w/ lock-ons, 1 hit kills and no time limits. Though I suppose I could just follow you around like one of those cat things and dance.

Wait, is this the DQ and MH article?

We're watching Rogue One today, my movie backlog is just as bad as my game backlog.

Absolutely!

@Windy lol made no sense lol

@JaxonH
I haven't played caligula effect though I want to, I do like Atlus games. It hasn't come to the west as a physical, not sure about USA, it's digital only, when a game is digital I wait for them to be in a psn sale, which they all do eventually, then I buy, so caligula will have to wait. Love the persona games though, 2,3 and 4 are available on vita, no chance of 5 coming I am busy playing The first Toukiden Age of Demons game again, I never got around to finishing it, after that it will be GodEater 2 Rage Burst and Adventures of Mana

@AlexSora89
Adult circumstances ?
What is that means ?

@NintySnesMan
I loved Persona 4, and even more Persona 5. Can't really play the older entries, though I do own them all. Same goes for SMT. Love SMT4 and SMT 4 Apocalypse but the stuff before that is just too old school for me. I see Caligula apparently got bashed pretty hard in reviews, which is a little disappointing since I was hoping for something as good as Persona, at the very least TMS#FE.

I've tried all the other MH genre games, like Toukiden and God Eater. I liked em all (Toukiden was closer to the formula I think) but none of them ever really dug their claws into me like MH. I have Toukiden 2 but never played it. Adventure of Mana was a nice scoop. Basic, but for a GB game it's excellent, really.

"Adult circumstances"?

Just remove the boob slider from the Switch version. Who needs that? I don't want video games to become more "adult" or "mature" than they already are. However, more adult and mature games are welcome.

The 3DS version looks so different from the PS4 version(guessing switch version as well) that I'm tempted to get both.

@Ralizah the other possibly is that it actually arrives a year later as a "complete edition" featuring both the 3ds style and ps4 style. That's another reason to delay announcements to encourage double dipping.

@AlexSora89 i would call PSXBox "adult focused". More like raging hormonal teenage audience, plus some older and younger people

though when you look at what sells, meaning what most PSXBox owners bought the machine to play, i can see DQX failing hard there outside Japan where it will float "ok- ish" next to 3DS.

Assuming this goes outside Japan. Could be that Sony announces the western release at their big stadium itches orchestral show, then SE tweets the next day its on switch too.......like Rime was for WiiU (when it was supposed to be out 3 years ago)

I doubt it has anything to do with "adult themes" considering it's mostly a Japan game and N already gave japan that.......uncomfortable senran kagura direct

We'll probably know by E3 if there is an exclusivity deal with Sony or Nintendo. Same goes for MH, which "everyone" wants on PS4 (and by "everyone," I mean Sony fanboys that troll here and other sites). Time will tell what happens.

@BornInNorway81 Nintendo will always be kiddy and only for kids console. This is what we're getting at the end. No wonder many games are not seen on Nintendo console due hardcore limitation when it comes a bit of sexual content. It's BS

@JaxonH
I knew I got something wrong. Ignorance, you failed me again!

@Anti-Matter
I'm just as clueless as you, so beats me.

@NEStalgia
No need to play sour grapes on Nintendo's rivals they're rivals, not "enemies". Although shady business practices would indicate otherwise.

There's been no word of any version at all coming out of Japan. It's possible Nintendo will handle localization and distribution in the west like they did with Dragon Quest IX and they would only bring the Switch version? If they manage to keep it exclusive to a Nintendo system in the west at least, that would be a nice move on their part.

@AlexSora89 Oh, I'm a PS4, Vita, PSP, PS3, and PS2, X360 (no reason to own X1...at all...) owner....no sour grapes....just a sad truth of cold hard reality of the majority of the install base.

@Kafei2006 that's one huge possibility I've been saying for months..... and nobody seems to agree. At least I've found ONE here

@Alucard83 Flan presentation in the last Japan Nintendo direct says 'hi'.

@NEStalgia
I own PS&X consoles myself, but just because I have, say, Overwatch on Xbox One doesn't mean I wouldn't want it on Switch as well.
Nintendo fans deserve games. Native console exclusives such as Halo or Sly Cooper are one thing, but at times we're denied supposedly multiplatform games that have no reason to skip Nintendo consoles.

I need this game in my life

JUST HURRY AND RELEASE THE SWITCH DATE ALREADY OR I WILL BUY THE PS VERSION...;(acting like the switch is already selling millions of other game copys... i dont like being in the dark and it will be a shame if buy it on ps instead of the switch (switch is perfect for it playing on the job)

@Masurao no games like Dragon Quest X, Final fantasy 14 and Sword art Online. Huge difference although the ones you mentioned are good fun as well. Monster Hunter is close but really its not open world huge like the ones I mentioned there.

@TreonsRealm That seems highly unlikely, because they were showing off the PS4 version long before Switch came out. So the motivation couldn't have been "Sony seeing how Switch is dominating Japan". Whatever reason SE had for not showing the Switch version, it began long before Switch was released.

@JaxonH @damo So, any chance "adult circumstances" is Squenix not wanting to pay more for the 32GB cart as the PS4 version of DQ11 is 30GB?

Probably not, too easy, but its' been 4 months now and I still haven't heard what "adult circumstances" means.