TheDragon Questseries will have exciting reveals during 2021, according to franchise creator Yuji Horii. Given thatDragon Questhas many sub-franchises, there are some exciting possibilities for what the reveals might be.
Originally known in the West asDragon Warrior, theDragon Questseries is viewed as one of the most influential Japanese role-playing game series of all time.The series is often compared toFinal Fantasy, but the two franchises are actually quite different. For example,Dragon Questtypically emphasizes simple turn-based combat systems, traditional fantasy tales set in medieval kingdoms, and the artistic stylings of Akira Toriyama.
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Speaking in a broadcast for the Japan-exclusive MMODragon Quest 10, Horii states that the series will be able to make “all sorts of announcements” for its 35th anniversary in 2021, according to a translation from Gematsu. Although he promised continued support forDragon Quest 10, Horii didn’t elaborate on what the future of the series will hold. As it stands, the only future mainline series content confirmed for Western audiences is the upcomingmulti-platform release ofDragon Quest 11 S, an enhanced version ofDragon Quest 11.
Of course, the first announcement that fans might expect is a new mainline game. After all, Horii has confirmed thatDragon Quest 12is in development. Alternately, popular sub-series such asDragon Quest MonstersandDragon Quest Buildersmay be due for new games in 2021. In particular, theMonsterssub-series has not received a new game since 2016’s Japan-exclusiveDragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3. It’s also possible that one of the series' more obscure spin-offs, such asDragon Quest SwordsorDragon Quest Heroes, will make a return.
Western fans may have to prepare themselves to receive less series content in 2021 as compared to Japanese fans. Although the series is decently well-known in the West, it is extremely prominent in Japan. For example, a highly popular Japan-only mobile game known asDragon Quest Walkrecently trended on global Twitter. It is possible that many of the anniversary announcements will either concern Japan-only spinoffs or content updates forDragon Quest 10. Given thatDragon Quest 10has not been localized in the eight years since its launch, it is unlikely it will be localized any time soon.
To be fair, global fans can find all sorts ofDragon Questcontent outside ofDragon Questgames. For example,Dragon Quest: The Adventure ofDai, an anime based on a classicDragon Questmanga, is currently airing. Plus, the appearance ofDragon Questprotagonists inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatehas helped to raise the prominence of theDragon Questseries in the West, making it more likely spin-offs will release globally in the future.
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