Towards the end of 2019, Square Enix announced more than 5.5 million copies of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age had been shipped and downloaded worldwide since the game's initial release in 2017. This was also one of the biggest releases on the Switch last year, outside of the major first-party titles.
It should come as no surprise then, that a new mainline Dragon Quest game is already in development. Series creator Yuji Horii recently confirmed in a New Year tweet that Dragon Quest XII began development last year, exactly 33 years after he started working on the original Famicom title. Below is the full translation, courtesy of @BlackKite:
Last year we started with publishing the movie Dragon Quest: Your Story, then releasing the Switch version of Dragon Quest 11, the mobile version of DQ Walk, the announcement of The Adventure of Dai anime along with its game adaptation, the production of [DQ]12 and more; even now after 33 years have passed since I made the 1st game, I feel very glad that I can do new challenges like these. Thank you very much to all users who have cheered on Dragon Quest until now, and also to all of the many staff members who have supported me. I don’t know how long I can go on, but I feel like I want to do my best just a little bit more. I hope this year will be an amazing year to everyone. I’m looking forward to work together in this year.
The Dragon Quest series had an outstanding year in 2019. not only did the Switch receive Dragon Quest XI S, it also got Dragon Quest Builders 2 and multiple classic Dragon Quest games on the Switch eShop. To top it off, the Hero (aka. the protagonist of the series) was added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a DLC fighter.
Did you play any Dragon Quest games last year? Are you a new or longtime fan of the series? Leave a comment below.
[source japanesenintendo.com]
Comments (38)
I've universally had fun with every series entry. I'm certain it will be great. Hoping that it launches simultaneously on the Switch.
"Did you play any Dragon Quest games last year?"
Only Dragon Quest Builders 1 & 2 on Nintendo Switch & PS4 version.
I really hope for Dragon Quest Builders 3 with more details of character customization from head to toe, default separated clothings (top, bottom, gloves, shoes, accessories, headgear) until the voice sample. Also, the jobs variety from Knight, Archer, Mage, Cleric, Thief, etc with different weapons to equip. And of course 60fps for both Switch and PS4 version.
Let's see what comes out first? DQ 12 or Shin Megami Tensei V.
I've only played and beaten a couple of DQ games so far (IV and V on the DS, both are excellent) and intend to start VIII soon. It's reassuring to know that another main series game is in development.
This is exciting news! I hope it comes to the next Switch.
The Dragon Quest series is awesome. However, it is hard to play them one after another due to their length (especially the battle systems). Usually a few skip by before I can attempt another one. I know the classic battle system follows tradition but it needs to be quickened a bit.
This is a no-brainer, but so exciting to hear! I love the DQ series and 11 was one of the best gaming experiences I've had. Can't wait to see what they do next!
Yay! I can't wait for XII. I told them last year, "Make Dragon Quest XII" and they listened. They were probably thinking that after XI, they didn't know what to do until I told them to make XII.
Hurray for DQ!
Just make that Switch announcement. Also remake ix please!
Although I would like to see a remake of V one more time in the vein of your story.
Can’t see this not coming to the Switch.
Really hope DQ12 makes it to switch. I’d really love the 2d mode as well, but will be happy just to have it on Switch!
Cool. Hopefully it'll be a PS4/Switch release from the start.
Yay! Hope it's coming to Switch. XI is great and so is VIII (playing it now on the 3DS).
IX is the best DS game ever made and VIII is one of the best PS2 RPGs so after I eventually get round to playing XI, the next one will probably be out. Brilliant.
If it's even half as good as 11 was then this definitely is something to look forward to.
Again Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3, Dragon Quest Heroes 1 & 2, and Dragon Quest X were all ignore.
Fantastic news. Day 1 in my book. Hopefully the Switch version will release at the same time.
Please make a slightly cooler haircut for the hero. My only request.
I just hope a possible PS5 focus doesn’t gimp a possible Switch version.
I think it will be a long time before we seen any information about this game. Dragon Quest XI was in development over 4 years before a Japanese release and then 5 years for a western release. Even if they did start in late 2018 once the western release came out for PS4, I highly doubt we see the game on current hardware. It's likely gonna be a 2022/23 game for Japan.
@JR150 I'll add a 3rd contender to your race: FF7 Remake Part 2.
DQ11 was a peak for Dragon Quest, I am really curious if DQ12 can be even better than DQ11 ...sure, it can be different, but better? hmm
@Xylnox i am sure you are right!
This news pleases me. I'm sure it will be a long while off though.
Will look forward to this in a few years. Hopefully there will be less of a gap between eastern and western releases with the superb sales numbers DQXIS has seen
@Zach777 yeah right
It better come to Switch.
After XIs, I just hope it comes to Switch, apart from PS5 or whatever.
What a great game.
I'm hopeful of a Switch version.
Even if it's a next gen game a less powerful version is possible, considering DQXI came to 3DS
@strider100x
Yeah right, what?
I beat VIII a couple months ago and I’m 45 hours into XI now. I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying these games, and I’m not even typically a fan of RPGs. I’ll be sorely disappointed if XII doesn’t come to Switch.
I liked dq11 but did anyone else feel it burnt itself out with how long it went on for? Also the dialogue it gives with options is silly in that it has no consequences in saying yes or no lol
Hope combat has more variety as 50 hours in and your doing the same move patterns so would love to personally see a change in dq12?
I've really enjoyed DQ11, so this is an obvious as heck buy.
Well this will be a day 1 purchase!
But I'm still waiting for 10 !!!!!!!!
I was actually pretty excited for dragon quest 11, but when I played the demo I was horrified at how bad the gameplay and English localization was. I ended up deciding not to buy 11 and I am not excited for a sequel at all.
Dragon Quest XI S has been my first foray in to the series and I'm really happy it's on Switch. Here's hoping that Dragon Quest XII will come out on the Switch at the same time as other consoles!
@Nintendofan83
This reply is nearly a year late lol
Nevertheless, you're incorrect about a couple of things. Development of Dragon Quest XI began in early 2014. It was released in Japan approximately 3.5 years after development began.
Dragon Quest XII has been in development since June of 2019 already. It'll likely be a Fall '22 release in Japan and in the West if they do a worldwide release. Unlikely though. Probably Fall 2023 for the West. Was a long time when this article was new but currently that would give us about a 2-3 year wait still.
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