Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR: Automata fans are in for a treat this year, from a new spin on a beloved MMORPG to anniversary news. Read on for Square Enix hinting at plans in 2026!
Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR Promise Surprises for Fans
Different Approach
for Final Fantasy, Anniversary Highlights for Dragon Quest and NieR
Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR appear to be preparing new content for fans this year, according to Square Enix.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles director Kazutoyo Maehiro teases a "different approach" for the next Final Fantasy project. Dragon Quest is also preparing a line of announcements for its upcoming 40th anniversary, while NieR series producer and Square Enix executive Yosuke Saito notes that NieR: Automata marks its ninth anniversary with just a modest nod.
In 4Gamer.net’s year-end wrap-up with game creators, Maehiro and Saito shared Square Enix’s 2026 ambitions for the three franchises. Maehiro teased about Final Fantasy, "We are working hard to provide you with a brand-new gaming experience, so please stay tuned for a little while longer until we are ready to reveal it!"
Saito also spoke about how it would make him happy to see everyone celebrate Dragon Quest's 40th anniversary, and that they are "preparing 'just a little something'" for NieR: Automata turning nine in February.
Final Fantasy Evolves in Its Next Project
Maehiro noted the successful September 2025 launch of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and their lore book, LOGOS: The World of Final Fantasy XVI, released in December, as they move into a new creative phase for the upcoming Final Fantasy project.
"While the approach between a game and a book is different," he said, "we poured our hearts into both projects with the goal of making everyone who picks them up feel, even if just a little, that 'games are truly fun.'"
Adding to the excitement for Final Fantasy fans, Final Fantasy XIV (FF14) director Naoki Yoshida mentioned the ongoing development for a Switch release of FF14 in his New Year's Day Q&A on the Japanese FF14 servers. "Please look forward to the Switch version," he replied to fans when asked about the MMORPG’s new ports.
Dragon Quest and NieR Birthday Cakes Whipped Up by Square Enix
Moving to Square Enix's birthday celebrants, the studio seems to be setting up the big stage for Dragon Quest's shiny ruby year in May. Promotional efforts began in early January with the reveal of the official anniversary on social media, which promised "various announcements."
This promise was reinforced by creator Yuji Horii, who confirmed "I think we'll be able to make various announcements," and by Dragon Quest X Online's showrunner, Takashi Anzai, who reported "a lot of new things" are in preparation.
In contrast, Saito has not provided further details on NieR: Automata's ninth anniversary yet, aside from "just a little something." While fans may ignore his words and see it as him downplaying the announcement to pave the way for a massive reveal, Saito insisted fans should not get "too excited."
Notably, no mainline game has been announced since NieR: Automata's breakout success in 2017. However, considering the popularity of its merchandise and previous collaborations with other games and brands, their plans for NieR this year may be something similar.
Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR: Automata Available Platforms
In the meantime, fans can grab a copy of Final Fantasy XIV on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and macOS. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is currently available for purchase on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is also purchasable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and PC via Steam. Meanwhile, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to launch this February 5, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Microsoft Store and Steam.
For NieR: Automata, available platforms include PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Source:
4Gamer.net’s annual end-of-year comments from Japanese game creators
Umadori0726 report on Yoshida’s New Year’s Day Q&A
Dragon Quest reveals 40th anniversary logo
Yuji Horii teases various announcements for Dragon Quest’s 40th Anniversary
